Iran will play Bahrain on Tuesday in Group E of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers at Tehran's Azadi Stadium.
Iran's national team captain Javad Nekounam said here on Monday Iran is determined to defeat Bahrain in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
"We want to qualify for the next round as the first place team and must beat Bahrain in our home game," Nekounam was quoted as saying on Monday.
"The fans must believe in their players. They must support us to help us defeat our opponent," Nekounam said.
Iran's football coach Carlos Queiroz said Bahrain is a dangerous opponent but he has faith in his team's ability to defeat them.
"Bahrain is a dangerous team with good players, however, we know the way the Bahrainis play and want to beat them in our home game," Queiroz was quoted as saying by Tehran Times daily on Saturday.
Iran and Bahrain are tied on top of four-team Group E with four points each from two matches.
Tuesday's match will be played amid rising political tensions between the two nations. FIFA has appointed a security expert to help prepare for a match.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)