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2018 World Cup: Iran gears up for Spain clash

Wednesday, 20 June 2018 12:36 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 20 June 2018 12:40 AM ]

Iran's coach Carlos Queiroz (4R) speaks to his players during a training session at the Kazan Arena on June 19, 2018, on the eve of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Iran and Spain. (AFP)

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said he could offer no magic potion to help his side cope with the might of Spain but promised his players would fight, fight and fight again when they meet the former world champions on Wednesday.

Iran's players joke during training session at the Kazan Arena on June 19, 2018, on the eve of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Iran and Spain. (AFP)

The Iranians top Group B after beating Morocco in their World Cup opener but it is fair to say the hard work really starts in Kazan, where they take on the Spanish before heading on to Saransk to play European champions Portugal.

The 65-year-old Portuguese polyglot was very happy to concede the favourite's tag to Fernando Hierro's team with its "many, many great players", but still wanted his side to be positive.

Queiroz reprised his complaints about how U.S. sanctions had impacted on his team's preparations - robbing them of two warm-up matches and a kit deal - but said they would never use the issue as a post-match excuse.

Source: Reuters

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