Iran eyes U20 World Cup spot after Asian Cup qualification, Zadeh-Attar says
Iran U20 captain Abolfazl Zadeh-Attar says reaching the 2027 FIFA U20 World Cup is the team’s main objective after securing a place at next year’s AFC U20 Asian Cup.
The Foolad Khuzestan striker was on target from the spot in 95th-minute as Iran came from behind to beat hosts Vietnam 3-1 in in Viet Tri on Sunday and finish second to North Korea in Group C with six points and qualify as one of the seven best runners-up across the eight groups.
“We were in one of the toughest groups in Asia, and all four teams had a high level of quality,” Zadeh-Attar told the official website of the Iranian Football Federation. “Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of the players and coaching staff, as well as the support we received, we managed to get through the group and qualify for the Asian
Cup.”
The Iran captain said none of the three matches was straightforward, highlighting the quality of the opponents.
In the 2-1 victory over Palestine on the opening day, Iran faced a side “with several players born in Europe and involved in European football,” he said. Despite that, Iran created numerous chances and could have won by a bigger margin with more accuracy and luck in front of goal.
Zadeh-Attar described North Korea as one of Asia’s strongest teams, pointing to the continuity within its squad and its recent success at youth level.
“They have played together for several years, and their U17 team had also reached the round of 16 at the World Cup, which shows the quality of the team we faced,” he said.
Iran led North Korea until the 92nd minute but conceded twice late on to suffer a painful defeat. Zadeh-Attar said the team lost concentration in the closing stages and argued that Iran did not deserve to lose. He also claimed that a second Iran goal was incorrectly ruled out for offside, which he felt could have effectively sealed victory.
The forward said the squad quickly put the setback behind it and turned its attention to Vietnam.
“Vietnam proved a difficult opponent in front of its home fans, using its pace to put Iran under pressure at times,” Zadeh-Attar said, adding: “The players regrouped at halftime and committed themselves to defending Iran’s
reputation.
Zadeh-Attar warned that Iran could not afford to become complacent, stressing that there are no easy opponents in Asian football anymore. He pointed to Australia, the defending champion, as well as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates among the teams that failed to qualify.
“We have only taken one step,” he said. “Our main goal from the first day of forming this team has been to qualify for the World Cup.”
Iran head coach Qassem Haddadifar has repeatedly urged the players to progress step by step, Zadeh-Attar added, saying the team would need continued support as it prepares for the Asian Cup and its bid to reach the World Cup.
The tournament will also serve as the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA U20 World Cup, with the four semifinalists at next March’s Asian Cup finals will secure places in the global showpiece in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.