Iran's Coach Optimistic about Successful Record in FIBA World Cup
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran basketball coach Memi Becirovic will look to secure qualification for the 2014 FIBA World Cup Last 16.
Iran has been drawn in tough Group A along with host Spain (No. 2), France (No. 8), Brazil (No. 10), Serbia (No. 11), Iran (20), Egypt (46).
“After we won the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, I told that Iran is going to advance to the last 16 of the 2014 FIBA World Cup,” Becirovic said after the draw ceremony was held Monday night in the picturesque Palau de la Musica Catalana, an emblematic concert hall in Barcelona.
“We have been drawn in a difficult group. However, Iran is a good team and plays well. I hope that we’ll win more matches in the competitions compared with the previous matches,” he added.
“The draw is more difficult than I expected, nonetheless we’ll do our best to reach our goal. Iran has quality and potential and is an experienced team. The team has participated in the World Cup twice and Olympic Games once. We should just believe in ourselves,” the 53-year-old Slovenian said.
“To join top 16, we have to hold some good training camps and play with strong teams. Iran has just won a match in the World Cup but I hope that we earn more victories in the competitions,” Becirovic concluded.