By Arka Dyuti Palit

AIFF Media Team

KOCHI: On the eve of taking the field against each other in the Quarter Final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, both the coaches of Spain and Iran shared a feeling of mutual respect and appreciation for each other. During the pre-match conference today (October 21, 2017), Iran Head Coach Abbas Chamanyan as well as his Spanish counterpart Santiago Denia predicted a ‘tough match’ on the cards and promised ‘positive football’ for the fans.

When asked about the magnanimity of the game Chamanyan said, “It is very important for us. We know we have a tough match but there is no doubt that Spain too will be in same situation. We are well prepared for this game”.

With Iran having won all its encounters so far including a 4-0 thumping of Germany, they have been termed as the dark horses to win the Championship.

“We always try and forget our past matches and learn lessons for the future. Yes, we faced Germany and beat them, but they were a tough opponent. I’m sure the lessons that we learnt in the World Cup in the last four games will help us in our match against Spain”, he added.

Agreeing with his counterpart, Spanish Head Coach, Santiago Denia was also respectful towards the nature of the game, “It’s a top level match and since it’s a World Cup match it is not going to be easy. Iran is here because of the good things they have done. They have won all their matches are certainly one of the best teams if we talk about transition from defence to attack.”

Spain has never won the FIFA U-17 World Cup, coming runners up thrice and being third twice. And Denia was quite aware of the history involved, “Spain has never won the U-17 World Cup. The team is working very hard to reach the Semi Finals. We respect Iran and like any other team they have been working very hard. We have to work hard ourselves and we have to make sure we do a great job to win the match.”

“Doesn’t matter if it’s the best Spanish side as long as we win all our matches”, as he dismissed talk of whether this was the best U-17 Spanish side.

Chamanyan too fancied his chances, despite being wary of his opponents, “We respect Spain and know what we can expect. Like Mexico this will be a do or die match So our priority is to win. Our strategy is clear. Getting clean sheets, not conceding and scoring ourselves.”

Both the coaches also brushed aside Spain’s familiarity with Kochi having played all their Group encounters here being an advantage. “Yes, it’s a privilege for Spain to play in Kochi but there are some things they are not prepared for. I hope the fans of Spain and Iran enjoy our match. We will try and gift the fans a good game” was how the Iran coach described it.

Denia too wasn’t looking much into the matter, “It won’t be an advantage as we went to Guwahati. A journey of around 3000kms and came back. I don’t think it’s an advantage. Yes, the city has welcomed us with open arms but it doesn’t affect the game.”

With no injury worries, both teams are in with a full squad at disposal except Delfi who will be missing out for Iran with two yellow cards. “Delfi is high quality player for us but as you know we have many others in our team and we can play and do well without him”, was Chamanyan’s straightforward assessment of the situation.