FRANCE 98 – Iran – H. Estili: “I'm confident for the match against Germany”

Iran – H. Estili: “I’m confident for the match against Germany”

24.06.98 22h08 CET

Khodadad AZIZI (11):

“After our historic victory over the UNITED STATES (Group F), we don’t want to stop now. However, we’ve still got to get through the first round. In order to achieve this, we have to play collectively. I hope to be one of the best players out there, because there is a great deal expected of me. Everyone still remembers my decisive goal against Australia which got us here. I hope to do the same for this match. I know almost all the German players because I played against them in the German League with Cologne.”

Ali DAEI (10):

“Our victory over the UNITED STATES helped us a lot mentally. We’re very confident for the match against GERMANY (Group F). We’ve been ready since the beginning of the competition to make an impact. I can’t possibly imagine what would happen back home if we got through the first round–it would be the first time ever. Like AZIZI (11), I’ve already scored against Bayern Munich. Several German defenders come from the club I’ll be playing with next year.”

Hamid ESTILI (9):

“I’m delighted to offer my country this first victory in the World Cup. I don’t intend to stop there. I had a good feeling in the match against the UNITED STATES and I’m even more confident for the match against GERMANY because we’re well rested and in good physical condition. We really want to qualify. My instinctive play with BAGHERI (6) will be the key to the match.”