Karaj: Coach Jorvan Vieira insists his Kuwait side are intent on victory ahead of Monday’s AFC Asian Cup qualifier with Iran, despite having already secured their place in Australia as Group B runner-up, alongside their hosts, with a game to spare.
Both sides have enjoyed undefeated qualifying campaigns so far, and Kuwait’s 3-1 victory at Kuwait Sports Club Stadium last November against Thailand confirmed the team’s qualification for the 2015 finals after Iran defeated Lebanon in the day’s earlier fixture.
And coach Vieira knows what it takes to triumph at the continental tournament after helming Iraq to victory at the 2007 edition. The experienced Brazil-born, Portuguese national is also familiar with the setting for their final game of qualifying at Karaj’s Enghelab Stadium having formerly been manager of Iran Pro League side Sepahan.
“We are here to collect three points; we are not here for tourism. We are ready for this match to defend our honour and reputation,” he said.
“We are here to play good football, and our aim is to keep our fans content. Iran is not a new country for me, I have already worked here and I’m very well acquainted with the environment and conditions.”
Coach Carlos Queiroz, meanwhile, will have a depleted squad from which to select his Iran side with his foreign-based players only arriving in time for Wednesday’s friendly against Guinea, in addition to having key player Andranik Teymourian ruled out with injury ahead of their final Group B qualifier.
“Our goal is always to win, so having already qualified to Asian Cup 2015 doesn’t mean that we’re not taking this game seriously,” said coach Queiroz, whose team currently top the qualifying group by four points.
“Unfortunately yesterday we found that after Esteghlal’s AFC Champions League match against Al Shabab, Andranik Teymourin’s hand has been fractured, this is bad news for Esteghlal, Team Melli and above all for Andranik.”
“In addition, our five foreign-based players will join us only on Monday morning, so we can’t use their services against Kuwait.”
Group B’s final fixture between Thailand and Lebanon takes place on Wednesday at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium.
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