Ali Kafashian says: “We will not always be lucky.”. The Head of Iran football federation has given this message to the players and coach of Team Melli. After the match against Uzbekistan national , many talked about Team Melli’s fortunate luck in winning all the 3 points. Kaffashian found it appropriate to respond to that. He emphasized that Team Melli must show grit and skills to win the match in Azadi on Tuesday. He also warns the players not to dream about the World Cup because too early to do so at this stage and the road is long and winding.

Iranian news agnecy , ISNA quoted the Ali Kafashian on the eve of the match in a brief interview.

* Mr. Kafashian Today we are playing Qatar and there are talks about you being under stress.

– (Laughter.) I am under stress before any Team Melli game, this one is no exception.

* Do you think we will we beat Qatar?

– God willing … We will certainly try our best. All the players realize the importance of this particular game and be rest assured that the players and the coaching staff will put their efforts in order to win this match.

* Before the match against Uzbekistan national team, you predicted a win for Team Melli. It sees that your predications are accurate nowadays.

Hopefully the same will happen this time as I predict a win for us. But who told you that I I’m good in predicting!? I never was good in predictions, but this time, I’m predicting our team will win. One thing is very important for me in today’s game. The team should play a good game and win convincingly at home ground. A good and solid performance coupled with a victory,  will give the squad a confidence boost. We must show our strength and this requires hard work and a strong performance, not just a win.

* After the first game there was the majority were critical of the team and the common belief was that the win was fortunate. However , Queiroz said that he wants to take the team to the World Cup, even by fortune and good luck. What is your opinion about this?

I always believe that good fortune is not always on the side of a team or a person. That is why we should not think that will always be lucky. Perhaps we should go forward with strength, just like the teams from Japan and South Korea. Look at these two teams, they are powerful , systematic and have good foundation without depending on luck or good fortune. These countries have invested in their football structure. We must admit that we have fallen quite short in investment in football and I do not see it forthcoming in Iran. In terms of human resources , we are not falling short from the East Asian countries , in fact I can proudly say that we have some better players than the Japanese and the Koreans , where we fall short is in investment and nourishing these talents the way those countries do.  If we manage to emulate them, we can be successful.

* You had a meeting with Carlos Queiroz. What is the status of the team ahead of the game today?

 

Yes, everything is fine. So far, whatever Mr. Queiroz has asked for the national team, we have provided it. Our goal is to fully support the team and ensure optimum preparation in order to continue its success. Hopefully . We  (IFF) will also meet the future demands whatever Mr. Queiroz. Let me tell you that the players are very confident and highly motivated for the match this evening.

 

* If you win the next two games, do you think that we have qualified for World Cup finals?

No, definitely No. There is a long way to the end of the competition. If you think that with three games won, we have qualified,  is a big mistake. I think we must fight until the last day of with all our strength and capability, the competition is over when we achieve the required points for qualification.

* It seems the team does not have future plan. Are there any plans for the national team before the game with Lebanon in Beirut? Is there a camp in Europe?

Everything has already been determined. We have already moved forward in the program. Mr. Queiroz has the final authority on the team planning including where the camp will be set up and he will announce it at due course.

* These days, Mr. Queiroz is highly sensitive about the team . A Perspolis Club representative took two of the club players from the camp to sign a contract , without consulting Queiroz.  He is reported to be furious , Are you aware of this subject? .

Queiroz has said nothing about this nor did he complain to me. However , I shall discus that matter with him in due time. So far I do not have any further information.

* Can we say that the days of the Federation running out of funds are over or not?

We have been actively pursuing the ministry of sports for them to provide funding in order to maintain our activities and seeking  operations budget. However, the team is currently in need of support and protection. The Sports minister said many times before, that they will support Queiroz program. I hope soon we get to your budget and move forward.

 

* Are you following the European Championship matches?

Yes, I’m more or less following them. If I have time, I watch the games on television.

* Which team do you support in the euro?

I am a a supporter of Team Melli.

* What about the Euro?

No, I’m totally in favor of Iranian football.

* Don’t you support Portugal?

I support teams which play good football. It sometimes happens that a team plays well and yet lose. Germany has invested in two or three decades and now their investment is paying off. They have a good team . Portugal has not lost against a poor team. Theywere also slightly lucky against Portugal.