TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian national football team's coach Carlos Queiroz says that South Korea is Team Melli’s toughest rival at the 2018 World Cup qualifying.

On Tuesday, Iran was drawn against South Korea, Uzbekistan, 2022 World Cup host Qatar, Syria and China.

Team Melli will open the campaign against Qatar at home on September 1.

“In my opinion, both groups consist of strong teams. We cannot underestimate Syria and Qatar is a strong team as well but our toughest rival is South Korea," Queiroz said.

"We’ve already faced South Korea, Uzbekistan and Qatar in the 2014 World Cup qualifying,” the Portuguese said.

Asked him about his retirement, Queiroz said, “It is not the right time to talk about the matter. I will hopefully see good events for Team Melli in the future.”

By Tasnim News Agency