Queiroz: Iran can qualify for Brazil 2014

3 February 2013 18:07

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz believes his team can qualify for the World Cup but reminded his players they need to stay focused.

Iran have not qualified for a World Cup since 2006 and the former Portugal and Real Madrid boss is well aware of the expectations that are on him and his players, but praised them for their continued development over the past two years.

He told Fifa.com: "Pressure is just part of my life, and part of football. For me, it encourages you to obtain good results. It goes without saying that every Iranian dreams of experiencing the World Cup again.

"It's been good. As far as our progress is concerned, we've been improving steadily up to this point.

"There are three matches left to play – we're going to have to hang in there right until the last kick of the ball to book our ticket, because the race is just so tight."

Iran sit in third place in their qualification group behind Uzbekistan and South Korea.