Carlos Queiroz[/caption]TEHRAN (Tasnim) Iranian national football team head coach Carlos Queiroz said that the friendly match against Iraq was a good opportunity for the young players to gain experience.
Team Melli defeated Iraq in a friendly at the WIN Stadium in Sydney on Sunday.
Rubin Kazan striker Sardar Azmoun scored the winner in the 56th minute.
Our young players were given a chance to play in an international match. They were anxious in the first few minutes, but slowly took superior ground and it was a good opportunity for them to gain experience, Queiroz told Iran Football Federation website.
Iraq has several good players and I thank the Iraqi federation since they expressed interest in playing a friendly, the Portuguese coach said.
We could have prepared to win the title but our training camps were cancelled and it was a big blow for us, however we are very motivated to reach our goal, former Real Madrid added.
Our young players showed that they have a bright future in the match against Iraq, he concluded.
Iran kicks off its attempt to win a record-equalling fourth AFC Asian Cup in Melbourne on January 11 when they take on Bahrain in Group A while the Iraqis meet Jordan in Brisbane on January 12 in their first game in Group D.
By Tasnim News Agency
The Iran Project is not responsible for the content of quoted articles.
