体坛英语新闻：Queiroz hopeful for well-performance of Iran in FIFA World Cup competitions

TEHRAN, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Iran national soccer team coach Carlos Queiroz said that despite to be drawn in Group B along with Spain, Portugal and Morocco, his men are expected to perform well in the 2018 FIFA World Cup competitions in Russia.

Iranian national team has never gotten past the group stage in the four previous World Cups, but Queiroz said that they will wait to see what happens, Tehran Times daily reported on Saturday.

Without a doubt, Spain and Portugal are favorites, but only on paper, he said.

"As we all know in soccer nothing is impossible. There are times when the mouse escapes from the cat. Iranian national team will defend their honor and aim to make the whole Iranian people feel proud," Queiroz was quoted as saying.

"To play against Spain, Portugal and Morocco will be a great opportunity for our players to show why they are here and especially to show that they deserve to be here," the former Real Madrid coach said following the drawn ceremony in Moscow on Friday.

"I'm sure we are going to do well. We are going to be competitive as always and no matter what happens in each game, I'm sure our fans will be proud and happy with their team," he added.

Iran will face Morocco on June 15, 2018 in their World Cup opener.