Former Vasco da Gama and Paraenense striker Eder Luciano, better known as Edinho, moved to Iran in 2008 to play for Mes Kerman. His goalscoring form for the club, founded in 1998, has been such that the Iranians conferred citizenship on him earlier this year.

“I already have my documents so I’d say there is about a 90 per cent chance” of making it into the national team, Edinho, 31, forecast.  “I have been in Iran getting on for eight years,” he told Brazilian sports newspaper Lancenet.

He added it would be special to play a World Cup with anyone — but appearing in Brazil with the Iranians would be particularly so.

“I shall prepare myself and if the opportunity arises, I’ll be ready,” vowed Edinho, who was playing in the Portuguese second division when the Iranians came calling.

He explained one of the most difficult aspects of adjusting to life in Iran was the food.  “I’ve not been able to adapt to the food here. I bring some over from Brazil whenever I can and so does my wife,” he told Lance.

A friend with experience of the country recommended him and Mes Kerman’s coaches liked what they saw. “When I first got here I wanted to turn round and go back home but I stuck at it and my perseverance was rewarded,” he concluded.

Edinho is in his second spell at the club after a period with UAE side Al Sharjah.

The Iranians, who will be making their fourth World Cup finals appearance, will take on Nigeria, Argentina and Bosnia in Group F.