Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Head coach Ali Doustimehr has called for Iran's famously passionate fans to turn up at the PAS Stadium en masse for Sunday's quarter-final clash with Australia as the tournament hosts aim to book their ticket to the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Iran have advanced to the last-eight with a 100% record following victories over Laos (3-1), Yemen (4-1) and Kuwait (2-1) but what has disappointed Doustimehr – other than having to come from a goal behind on all three occasions – has been the low attendances at the PAS Stadium, where the hosts played all their group stage matches.
"I am asking the fans to come out and support their under 16 side as they attempt to get Iran to a World Cup," said Doustimehr, who led Iran to glory at the 2008 AFC U-16 Championship in the second of his three previous campaigns at this level.
"It's a shame when I look around the stadium at the Iran matches here and there are very little supporters. The Iran Football Federation have done their best for the team and now I ask the fans to show up on Sunday. These kids need your support."
Iran's quarter-final clash with Australia at the PAS Stadium on Sunday kicks-off at 1700 local time.