3/1/2006
AFP

SINGAPORE – Iran's World Cup build-up has been hit by the cancellation of friendlies due to the nuclear standoff, but coach Branko Ivankovic insists it hasn't affected them and they can beat anyone.

The Croat said his team has ignored calls from several countries that the Islamic Republic be barred from playing in the finals in Germany altogether due to the West's standoff with Iran over its controversial nuclear program.

"We (the team) never discussed these demands and, anyway, FIFA has already said that politics will not be mixed with sports," he said in an interview with the Asian Football Confederation website, monitored here.

"We are preparing for the World Cup in Germany and are fully focused and havent even thought about these things. The players are under pressure not because of these demands but to get into the World Cup-bound team."

Iran begins the World Cup against Mexico in Nuremberg on June 11 with further group games against Portugal and Angola.

Ivankovic believes they can spring some surprises.

"The expectations of Iranians are very high and I want to tell them that Iran is a good team and we can beat anyone in the world," he said.

"We want to surprise the world and I am sure the players will prove this during the World Cup.

"One should not forget the performances of Korea Republic and Japan in the last World Cup. So, anything can happen in football.

"Of course, Portugal and Mexico are favourites in our group to make it to the second round but our target is to qualify for the second stage."

Their secret weapon will be their German-based stars, who regularly play in front of capacity crowds in the Bundesliga and are well acquainted with the atmosphere in Germany.

"Ali Karimi (Bayern Munich), Mehdi Mahdavikia (Hamburg SV), Fereydoon Zandi (Kaiserslautern), Vahid Hashemian (Hannover) all play in the Bundesliga," he said.

"So, practically it will be a home game for them and I am sure this will be a big help for the team."

Iran's football chief has acknowledged "problems" in organising home fixtures. Ukraine and Romania are among countries that have pulled out of matches in Tehran in recent months.