Sport

Queiroz's high hopes

IRAN make the trip to Brazil for their fourth World Cup finals and their brief is clear - to better what they have done before.

On those previous occasions, progress beyond the group stage has not materialised but this time, after an excellent qualifying campaign, hopes are higher.

Iran finished top of their Asian qualifying group, winning five of their eight games and conceding only two goals along the way. Those numbers are a credit to coach Carlos Queiroz, who has given a sense of belonging on the international stage. The

well-travelled Portuguese has coached at two of the world's leading clubs in Manchester United and Real Madrid and has made his mark with Iran, as the 100,000 fans who bore witness to their vital 1-0 qualifying win over South Korea would testify.

Queiroz scouted Charlton striker Reza Ghoochannejhad when he was at Standard Liege and he scored the vital goals as Iran booked their passage to South America.