Scolari: Iran Weakest Team in Group

In an interview with the TV channel ARD, Luiz Felipe Scolari, known as "Big Phil" described Portugal’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup. "I think our most important and serious opponent in the group stage of the World Cup is Mexico. After that we take Angola and then Iran into account. When it became clear that we were in group D – together with Mexico, Angola, and Iran - I started to carefully study these teams with my coaching staff, and we have categorized each team now. Mexico is our most serious opponent. After Mexico, Angola is our 2^nd strongest opponent. Finally, Iran is our weakest opponent in the group stage” said Scolari.

The Portugal head coach added: "Of course, this comparison is based on the available statistical information, while we know all teams present in the World Cup are dangerous. We already have extensive plans in place on how we will play against each of these teams but we believe Mexico is more dangerous than the other two teams".

"In brief, I can say the technical and tactical qualities of Mexico are higher than Angola and Iran. Due to being repeatedly in touch with European football, they have reached a more solid tactical and technical unity while the other two teams rely more on some of their individual players. Angola rely on their players physical strength and Iran on their technical qualities. That's why it's easier for us to play against these two teams than Mexico" said the Brazilian.

Scolari named Iran's Ali Karimi (Bayern Munich), Mehdi Mahdavikia (Hamburg SV) and Ali Daei (the captain of the national team) as Iran’s top 3 players.

About his team's fate in the world cup 2006, the Brazilian said “We enter the World Cup with a lot of hopes to succeed because we want to compensate for the past failures in the previous World Cups and European Championships. I am sure our fans will provide the best support possible for our players, and our minimum expectation is reaching the quarter final stage” concluded the Brazilian.

Portugal kick-off their World Cup campaign on 11^th June against Angola.