BENAULIM: Featuring in their fourth FIFA U-17 World Cup and “not new” to the Goan soil and playing conditions, Iran Coach Abbas Chamanyan considers it to be “Good Omens” to play their Group C clashes in the State.
“The situation is good for us. It’s good omens for us,” quipped the Iranian gaffer speaking during the sidelines of their training session held at Benaulim ground, on Thursday.
“We are happy and glad to return to Goa. We have played here earlier and this should help us during the tournament. I think it’s good for us that we returned in the FIFA World Cup draw back to Goa. It will help us to adjust quicker,” said Abbas.
Iran are not new to the world stage at the junior level as they had earlier participated in FIFA U-17 World Cup in the year 2001 at Trindade and Tobago, 2009 in Nigeria and 2013 in UAE.
The side could just push their limit to the last 16 spot in the last two appearances and are yet to make it to the quarter-final stages.
“We are prepared! We have prepared ourselves to face our opponents Costa Rica, Guinea and Germany. In my opinion, all groups in the World Cup are tough and there is no particular group which we can call it’s easy. We must be ready to face anyone during the tournament, and we are ready for it,” said Abbas, whose side take on Guinea in the opening encounter on Saturday, at Fatorda, 8 p.m.
Iran emerged runners-up at the AFC U-16 Championship last year in Goa, where they lost 3-4 in shootout against Iraq after 120 minutes duel. Despite being the second best in Asia, Coach Abbas has new faces in the squad which has further boosted the team.
“We have a different side altogether. Our players have changed from last year’s squad. We have 15 new players. The new generation players have joined and boosted our team. I can’t compare AFC Championship and FIFA World Cup. Because we all know that the World Cup stage is more hard and difficult as far as Asia Championship is concerned,” explained Abbas.
Coach Abbas wished good luck to the host nation — India as they play United States of America in their inaugural match of Group A in New Delhi.
“We wish team India good luck for their first match on Friday. India hosting the World Cup itself is a very big message to the world. The future belongs to India as they have talent, they have good conditions and they are ready for it,” concluded Abbas.
