Assured of a pre-quarterfinals spot, Group C toppers Iran would aim to end their group engagements on a triumphant note when they take on a struggling Costa Rica in their FIFA Under-17 World Cup match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Friday.
MARGAO
After defeating Guinea 3-1 and routing Germany 4-0, the AFC Cup runners-up are one of the top contenders going into the knock-outs and the Asians will be looking to dominate their Latin
American rivals.
However their coach Abbas Chamanian would want that his boys are not overenthusiastic and defend well. He sounded optimistic saying that his team will thrive on the challenge.
"It was an electrifying performance by our boys against Germany. They played as a unit, controlled the proceedings and exploited the gaps in the German defence to score a fluent 4-0 win," Chamanian said.
"It is their best performance so far and if they continue to perform in the same manner, we have a great chance to reach the final,"
Chamanian said.
Abbas also complimented his defence, which hasn't allowed the rivals any space to operate in the danger zone. Knowing that the German defence is vulnerable under attack, the wily Iranian coach adopted an offensive approach and the move worked as the German defence fell apart under pressure, conceding four goals.
But overall, the Asian team has been unstoppable and with their berth confirmed in the next round, they would be eager to finish the league engagements on a high. All eyes will be on Allahyar Sayyad and Younees Def as the youngsters will relish the opportunity of taking a significant step towards establishing their career.
Costa Rica, on the other hand, will be looking to register their first win and keep their slim chances alive in the tournament. After being beaten by Germany 2-1 and drawing with Guniea 2-2, Costa Rica need the three points but will have a stiff task in hand.
Their coach has admitted that the players and his boys are putting up a war-like effort. Their coach Breansse Camacho described the match against Iran as "make it or break it" and one of the toughest contests.
"We have worked out a strategy to overcome the challenge and we are looking forward to win tomorrow," Camacho stated.
Iran are among the few teams that have not been affected by the heat and humidity of India. Costa Rica players meanwhile were exhausted after the opening session against Guniea and had to thank their goalkeeper Richard Montenegro for his superlative saves for keeping them in the contention.
