Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Pattaya: A third-place finish at the 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup and the recent capture of the 2018 Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup title underline Islamic Republic of Iran's credentials as one of the world's strongest teams, but head coach Marco Octavio insists nothing will be taken for granted in their opening AFC Beach Soccer Championship Thailand 2019 match against Iraq.
With a legion of stars including Mohammad Masoumizadeh and Mohammad Ali Mokhtari at their disposal, the reigning champions are among the favourites to claim the title on March 17, but Ocatvio knows there are countless examples of highly-favoured teams coming unstuck and urged his players to perform from day one.
"Two days ago we saw Real Madrid lost at home, and we had an experience in my country Brazil, where we lost a (FIFA) World Cup semi-final 7-1 as favourites (against Germany in 2014)," he said.
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