Queiroz pleads for understanding

IRAN coach Carlos Queiroz has defended his side's tactics after they were booed by the Brazilian public following their 0-0 draw with Nigeria in Curitiba on Monday.

The team's preparations for the tournament have been undermined by international sanctions against the Iranian government that has seen their funding cut and made it difficult to organise friendlies against top international opposition. With 14 of his 23-man squad based in the domestic Irani league, Queiroz hailed his side's efforts and said fans had to be realistic of the spectacle they could offer.

"The spectators maybe didn't see it this way, but when you play with attitude, soul, emotions, tension it can also be an attractive game and that is what happened," the former Real Madrid boss said.

"Of course, you would prefer to see four or five goals and I understand that, but for us we prefer to go home with one point. I hope that after playing against a great team like Nigeria our players get the sympathy and respect they deserve."

Iran coped ably against Nigeria's Premier League stars as the African champions failed to create any clear-cut chances after a promising opening. But Queiroz, who guided Portugal to the last 16 in the 2010 finals, claimed he had not had time yet to think of how to stop four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates when the sides meet in Belo Horizonte on Saturday. – AFP