Competition

FRANCE 98 – USA-Iran – K. Bagheri: “The whole world was watching this match and we were at our best”

Byfrance98 April 17, 2001

USA-Iran – K. Bagheri: “The whole world was watching this match and we were at our best”

22.06.98 00h15 CET

Mehdi MAHDAVIKA (2) :

” We’re elated. In the changing rooms, we were all crying. I think that in TEHERAN at the moment, the people are in the streets, as they were during our final qualification match. When I scored, I thought about my people. Against GERMANY (Group F), we will win if God wishes it”.

Ali DAEI (10) :

” I dedicate this match to the Iranian people and all the supporters who came to encourage us. We were yearning for this victory. Tonight, we have 3 points and a slight chance of getting past the first round. If we play the same way against GERMANY (Group F), we might beat the European champions “.

Karim BAGHERI (6) :

” I am completely satisfied, as we played a very good game of football. Tonight, the whole world was watching this match and we were at our best. The match was played in good spirit. We knew how to take our chance and I will always remember the photo of the teams together at the beginning of the match “.

Hamid ESTILI (9) :

” I am happy for the team, the Iranian supporters in the stadium and everybody at home watching the match on television. I scored the most important goal of my career. We must already start thinking about the next match against GERMANY (Group F), as I did for the games against the UNITED STATES (Group F) and YUGOSLAVIA (Group F). This victory keeps us in the running for a place in the last sixteen. In the next game against GERMANY, we will do everything we can to keep this chance alive “.

Ahmad ABEDZADEH (1, cap) :

” In spite of the pressure on this game, I did my best for the whole team. I’m happy for myself, my team-mates and Iranians throughout the world. With God’s help, I’m still hopeful that we can win the last group match against GERMANY (Group F). We know their game and we now have a few days to finalise our tactics to get the best result and to progress to the last sixteen”.