Ghotbi: A nation awaits…

TEHRAN – Iran coach Afshin Ghotbi quipped that the most important decision facing the country this week is his choice of the starting 11 for Wednesday’s crucial World Cup qualifying showdown against the UAE.

The match takes place two days before the country elects a new president but Ghotbi is looking too lift the nations’ spirits by getting his team selection right and picking up the three points which Iran needs to keep alive their hopes of reaching South Africa.

"The most important election at the moment is the selection of 11 players against the Emirates,” said the good-humoured former Piroozi (Persepolis) boss.

"The players are ready to serve 70 million Iranians in Iran and five million outside Iran.

“Tomorrow you will see a good performance from the national team and we will take a big step towards the World Cup."

Iran enter the game off the back of a frustrating scoreless draw with DPR Korea in Pyongyang, which kept them four points adrift of the second-placed North Koreans and three points behind Saudi Arabia.

But Ghotbi has been boosted by the return from suspension of midfield lynchpin Javad Nekounam, who he will be relying on alongside the experience of captain Mehdi Mahdavikia and former AFC Player of the Year Ali Karimi.

"They have a big impact on getting results. Against the United Arab Emirates I'm going to use players who are experienced in big matches."

UAE’s hopes of reaching a second World Cup have long been over, with just a solitary point from seven matches.

However, outgoing coach Dominique Bathenay insists that his players will not just be looking to make up the numbers in Tehran.

"We know that Iran will have a lot of motivation and this will make the situation difficult for us but when a player is professional and is playing international football he has to stay motivated,” said the Frenchman.

Bathenay has selection headaches with strikers Faisal Khalil and Ismaeil Matar both out with a hamstring tear and a twisted knee ligament respectively.

Ismail Al Hammadi, who was drafted in as a make-shift forward against Korea Republic on Saturday, limped out after landing on his knee four minutes into the game while Helal Saeed is suspended after receiving a red card late in the match.

"It's possible that I'll use young players but this is still an international match and we're not taking it lightly.

“It's true that we can't qualify but we're still going to give it our best,” Bathenay added.

Today : Iran Vs UAE

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