Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Iran coach Carlos Queiroz is wary of facing a wounded Qatar side in Tuesday's 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Azadi Stadium as Team Melli seek a second win in Group A.
While Iran enjoyed a week to recover after opening their final round campaign with a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan, Qatar followed up beating Lebanon by the same scoreline at the start of June with a 4-1 home defeat by Korea Republic on Friday.
But after pair shared two draws during the third round Group Stage – including a 2-2 stalemate on the final Matchday in Tehran at the end of February – Queiroz is not underestimating the 2022 hosts.
"We have full respect for their technical staff and the players. We are professional enough not to underestimate any rivals and Qatar wouldn't be an exception. I am convinced they have brought along all their weapons to Tehran and we're also fully prepared to face them," said the Portuguese coach.
"I am sure you will see a different face of Qatar when we take on them on Wednesday. They're here to make amends for the home loss they suffered and we're quite wary of that."
Iran opened their final round campaign on June 3 with a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan in Tashkent thanks to a dramatic winner with virtually the last kick of the game from substitute Mohammad Reza Khalatbari.
Queiroz, though, will be without Mojtaba Jabari due to injury against Qatar after the Esteghlal midfielder was withdrawn with 15 minutes remaining against Uzbekistan.
Ali Karimi is expect to be deployed in a more advanced role against Qatar having been recalled to the Iran squad by Queiroz after the former Portugal coach was appointed in April 2011.
"We are pretty confident ahead of the game against Qatar. There's been some talk and comments on how many attacks we devised against Uzbekistan and how many scoring chances we created, but when you finally seal your place in Brazil 2014, nobody cares about how many chances you created or missed during qualification," added Queiroz, who has guided Iran on an eight match unbeaten streak during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
"They played against Korea Republic and we rested, but we don't know which players they are going to field tomorrow afternoon. If they name the same team, then you can say their players might be fatigued due to tight schedule they have had."
Opposite number Paulo Autuori, meanwhile, insists his side have put Friday's heavy defeat behind them and are out to make amends at Azadi Stadium.
"I'm aware it's going to be tough, a tough match. Additionally, I know that Iran and Korea Republic are the favourites in Group A to qualify for the World Cup, but we're here to astonish everyone by winning a slot in Brazil 2014," said the Brazilian coach.
"Tomorrow will be difficult for us to play Iran, but different from the match against Korea. Fortunately, we've recovered well from the 4-1 defeat and are in good spirits and good physical condition to confront Iran at the Azadi stadium."
Yusef Ahmed's strike midway through the first half had put Qatar ahead at Al Sadd Stadium on Friday, only for a double from Lee Keun-ho and further strikes from his Ulsan Hyundai team-mates Kwak Tae-hwi and Kim Shin-wook handing Korea a comfortable victory in Doha.
"It is easy to talk about reasons for a defeat," added Autuori. "We already analysed that match and conveyed our message to players.
"Tomorrow is a different arena for us and we have completely prepared ourselves to face a big team like Iran."