“It will be a game with many friends, but as we say in our country, friends are friends and football players are a different story,” said the Portuguese football manager in charge of the Iran national team in a press conference on Monday, ahead of Iran vs Portugal game at World Cup 2018. He stressed that every team will try to win the game due to a sense of responsibility and loyalty their fans and a sense of respect for football.
"If Spain and Morocco were difficult, Portugal is very difficult,” he said.
Iran won against Morocco 1-0, but suffered a 1-0 defeat against Spain.
"Some of my boys never thought that they would one day be playing against Ronaldo and other great players of Portugal. They are very enthusiastic and we will do our best to keep up with the same attitude and focus from the very first minute,” he said. “We have a dream and we will fight for it. We have nothing to lose, but Portugal has everything to lose. We hope to have luck on our side, which is always necessary [in football games].”
Queiroz further stressed that his team is completely hopeful and totally committed to try for a historical qualification for the second round," but maintained that "Portugal is not only a powerful candidate to win the World Cup, but also a favorite."
“Portugal is very strong … we have to base our game on the fundamental values of what a team is: the spirit of sacrifice, hard work, bravery, loyalty, and commitment,” he stressed.
MS