Daei injury worries Iran coach
13/6/2006 16:26
Iran coach Branko Ivankovic faces a worry ahead of Saturday's game against
Portugal, with the news that his captain Ali Daei has a back injury.
The
striker sustained the problem in Sunday's Group D opener against Mexico, which
his side lost 3-1.
And Ivankovic is not optimistic the 37-year-old will
recover in time for the crucial match in Frankfurt.
"Ali did not train on
Monday because of a back injury. It will be very hard for him to face Portugal,"
said Ivankovic.
Daei's injury is the latest of a troubled World Cup campaign
for the Iranians so far.
Key midfielder Mehdi Mahdavikia played through the
pain of a thigh problem against Mexico, while keeper Ebrahim Mirzapour almost
had to sit out the match because of jet lag.
Xinhua News
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