Argentina Should Be Wary of Iran in World Cup, Julio Velasco Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Renowned volleyball coach Julio Velasco has warned Argentina football team coaches that they must not underestimate their World Cup group F rival, Iran.
With many believing that Iran in Group F will be dispatched with ease, Velasco, who stepped down as coach of Iran last week, has warned his compatriots they must be ready for a tough match.
“Argentina is a strong team but if I am Argentina coach I will tell my players to be careful about Iran. It would not be an easy game,” the Argentine volleyball coach said in a TV program last evening.
“In the 1958 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Sweden, Argentina lost to Czechoslovakia 6-1. The Argentina will never forget that day. They learnt there is no easy match in football. Argentina must not underestimate Iran,” he added.
“Iran has been drawn in a tough group and I am not sure if they will qualify for the next round,” Velasco said.
Velasco was appointed head coach of the Iran volleyball team in 2011. The Persians made history in the FIVB Men's World League 2013, in which the team defeated powerhouses Italy, Cuba, Serbia, and Germany.
Velasco also led Iran to the title in the Asian Volleyball Championship in 2011 and 2013.