Wounded Iran play for reputation

“(This match) is like a final for both teams,” said Portugal captain Luis Figo.

Having lost 3-1 to Mexico after a shoddy second half, Iran cannot afford another defeat in Frankfurt but with striker and captain Ali Daei out with a back injury ( he was dropped from the line-up), they lack a father figure to guide them on the pitch.

“I think it is very hard for him to play against Portugal… We have to see but I don’t think he can play,” coach Branko Ivankovic said of the striker, the world’s top international scorer with 109 goals. Iran’s presence in Germany has been frequently overshadowed by politics, something Ivankovic has repeatedly tried — and failed — to deflect.

Coupled with poor performances by some of Iran’s Bundesliga players, the mood in the camp is far from upbeat. “The players were not satisfied with the result. Now we have to prepare ourselves mentally against Portugal,” Ivankovic said.

Portugal are more relaxed after their 1-0 win over Angola although, given that their performance against their former colony was distinctly under whelming, they need another win to avoid a tough showdown with Mexico in their last group game.

The squad are aware that Iran, eager to salvage something of their reputation, will fight hard in Frankfurt on Saturday. “I know we always say it but this will be a difficult game. There are no easy games in the World Cup,” Figo said.

–Karen Iley