Two coaches call before Iran USA game
Ahead of the game between Iran and the USA on the final day of Group B of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Iran coach Carlos Quieroz and USA coach Gregg Berhalter answered questions on the FIFA Press Center.
Unlike yesterday’s press conference, where only one question was allowed, the 49-year-old was repeatedly asked by Iranian journalists. Berhalter avoided in his responses statements that would provoke new controversies.
When asked about the US National Soccer Team’s social media posts about not using the emblem of the Islamic Republic on the Iranian flag, Berhalter said: “What was posted has nothing to do with to see with us, it wasn’t in our control. We just focused on the game. We’re not part of what happened.”
“WE ARE WITH THE PEOPLE OF IRAN”
When asked what he thought would be the most sensitive game of the tournament, Berhalter said: “For us, this is just a football game against a good team. Both teams want to skip the round. We want it to be a good game. “We are with the Iranian people, but we are only focused on the game,” he said.
Midfielder Tyler Adams, who continues his career at Leeds United and attended the news conference, apologized after an Iranian journalist, who began his speech by saying the words, mispronounced Iran’s name.
CARLOS QUEIRAOZ: JOIN THE PARTY AND HAVE FUN
The coach of the Iran National Team, Carlos Quieroz, drew attention with his self-confidence, comfort and attitude that avoided increasing tension.
The Portuguese coach said: “I understand you. Tomorrow will be the only goal for both teams, the second round. Join the party and have fun. Beauty wins in football. We just want to be able to win tomorrow.”
With a diplomatic performance at the press conference, Queiroz called for human rights, racism and solidarity with the suffering people, without forgetting the “children killed in the attacks on schools.”
“THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME”
Stating that he has coached a team in the US in his career and that it will be a special match for him, Quieroz said: “We will try to do our best. Our opponent has a good team. Our goal and focus are the same. The United States played two very good games. Obviously it’s going to be a tough game. It’s not how we start, it’s how we end. We need to be a better, stronger and more motivated team tomorrow. If we go to the second round, it will be the first time in the 6 tournaments Iran has participated in,” he said.
Quieroz said they wanted to be well organized and have the ball on defense against the US and get results from the positions they were caught in.
The experienced coach left the question of German footballer Jurgen Klinsmann unanswered, to whom he harshly responded to his criticism of himself and his team.
(AA)