TEHRAN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said Wednesday that the national team is facing the biggest-ever challenge in a bid to survive the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Portugese coach said, "We've been drawn in the toughest group in the World Cup. Morocco's results in the last two years speak for themselves. They have not conceded goals and claimed the African Nations Championship."
"Spain and Portugal are also favorites to win the title. To book a place in the next stage is the biggest challenge in Iran's football history," the former Real Madrid coach added.
Iran have been drawn in Group B along with Morocco, Spain and Portugal.
They will kick off the campaign with a match against Morocco at Saint Petersburg on June 15, face Spain in Kazan on June 20 and meet Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in Saransk five days later.
"We will play at the World Cup for our pride, that's why I am here and I believe that those who don't back the idea are the people who don't respect Iran's football," Queiroz said.
