FATORDA: Keeping aside their group stage performances — both Iran and Mexico — are set for a new beginning in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, as the two sides clash in the pre-quarterfinals, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday.

Iran topped  Group C after their impressive display which saw them pocket nine points from three outings and stun Germany, Guinea and Costa Rica with ease.  Their four-star performance against Germany was the talk of the tournament. However, Iran coach Abbas Chamanian brushed aside his past performance and said he is looking forward for a fresh start in the knock out phase.

“We must start again. All teams at this stage have same chance to progress. Tomorrow is important step to our journey towards success,” said Abbas Chamanian while addressing the press during the pre-match conference at Fatorda Stadium.

The Asian powerhouse has not only managed to collect full points but scored 10 goals conceding just one in the last three games, making them one of the best attacking sides in the tournament. 

Iran will miss the services of Mohammad Ghobeishavi against Mexico, who picked up his second booking in their ultimate Group C match against Costa Rica. They might also miss on Esmaeil Zadeh Amir who picked up an injury against the South American side. 

Iran had a friendly encounter against Mexico in Spain before the tournament, wherein the Asian side proved victorious with a 3-0 win. Coach Abbas Chamanian feels the story belongs to the past and tomorrow’s match will be a game-changer for both the teams. “Story belongs to the past. Tomorrow’s match will connect us to future as it’s a bridge for success in future. But we will prepare with powerful mentality for tomorrow’s match,” said Abbas eyeing to progress beyond the round of 16 matches as the Iranians have failed to do so in their last three attempts.

Coach Abbas also stressed that Tuesday’s clash will be not a cake walk, “Mexico are tough opponents and are good in their attack. They have problems in their defence. Tomorrow is the day we must be ready. We must take our opportunities that come our way,” exclaimed Abbas.

Meanwhile, Mexico, who progressed as the best third placed team from Group F are also set to for a new beginning in the most important phase of the tournament. 

The COCACAF Champions, who managed to grab just two points from their group matches are looking to use their experience to their strength against the lesser known Iran, despite Mexico coach Mario Arteaga considering them a strong side.

“We are here to win the match. We know they (Iran) are strong as they have won all three matches. Now we are starting from scratch and it doesn't matter what happened in past. We are experienced in knock out and we will give our best,” explained a confident Mario Arteaga.

“Well there are two ways to see our performance in group phase. First, this was a strong group and we played against strong teams. And secondly, we played against Iraq who played with six defenders that made it worse, while Chile played with five defenders. Against England, they surprised us with three-goal lead but our players showed their calibre and scored two goals.”

Mexico will have to bank on Diego Lainez for the much needed goals against a strong Iran side which has put up a collective display with a mighty defence which isn't easy to break. Mexico twice won the junior World Cup earlier, and coach Mario Arteaga believes his current team is similar to that of the former champions.