6/8/2006
the-afc.com

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany: Iran international Ali Karimi said he is fully fit and will give his best in the World Cup.

The Bayern Munich star told IRNA that he is working hard during training sessions and will certainly be ready to play in the upcoming games. "I am not worried about my injuries and promise to play the best game in the 2006 World Cup," he said.

Karimi said the best Iranian players have made the grade but still there were a few others who could have made it. “All the players will give their best to give the fans a reason to cheer,” he added.

About Iran’s World Cup opponents, Karimi said: "It is not easy in the World Cup as none of the teams are weak. We should make a double effort to achieve better results.”

Meanwhile, Hamburg SV midfielder Mehdi Mahdavikia has expressed confidence that he would be fit to play the opener against Mexico on June 11 in Nuremberg. The 28-year-old, who has been suffering from back injury, said: “I hope to be fit. I feel good now as I don’t have any pain. It is very important for me to practice without pain and tomorrow I will be able to train normally with the rest of the team.”

Portugal and Angola are the other teams in group D.