Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has suggested that his team will be clear underdogs for their opening Group F game against Nigeria because of the international sanctions against the country.
The ex-Manchester United assistant manager, who has been in the job for three years, appeared to be looking to ease pressure on his side, but is convinced that the current relationship between the Persian Gulf state and the wider world is having an effect on their nation's football.
He told AP: "The economic and political situations have put a team from Iran at the complete disadvantage in relation to other teams that are here."
On Sunday, Nigeria's head coach Stephen Keshi admitted that the Super Eagles know very little about their opponents ahead of the clash in Cuiaba on Monday.
Iran will be taking part in their fourth World Cup, with their first appearance coming in the 1978 tournament, in Argentina.
Written by
Chris O'Keefe
Chris O'Keefe
Netherlands
Senegal
Ecuador
Qatar
England
USA
Iran
Wales
Argentina
Poland
Mexico
Saudi Arabia
France
Australia
Tunisia
Denmark
Japan
Spain
Germany
Costa Rica
Morocco
Croatia
Belgium
Canada
Brazil
Switzerland
Cameroon
Serbia
Portugal
South Korea
Uruguay
Ghana
