AFP: Iran’s new coach Ali Daei confirmed Sunday that he is hoping to set up a football friendly against Scotland here at the end of March. TEHRAN (AFP) Iran’s new coach Ali Daei confirmed Sunday that he is hoping to set up a football friendly against Scotland here at the end of March.
Daei took over as coach during the week and is keen for the Islamic Republic to set up internationals to prepare for qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup.
“I really want to play Scotland. I’ve had enough of playing the same teams and we have to go looking for matches which will show our weaknesses and strengths,” Daei was quoted as saying by the ISNA news agency.
Iranian football federation chief Mehdi Taj said that they were now awaiting the go ahead from the Physical Education Organisation’s Council on Foreign Relations.
Iran played Scotland in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina and drew 1-1.
After being without a coach for several weeks Iran have begun their World Cup qualifing campaign in group 5 of the Asian Zone, drawing 0-0 at home against Syria.
Their next qualifier will be in Kuwait but they also have a friendly lined up against Bahrain.
