USA-Iran - J. Talebi: "This match must not be politicised"

20.06.98 21h18 CET

Jalal TALEBI

Comments from LYON

"On the eve of this match against the UNITED STATES, the pressure's really starting to build up. However, this match must not be politicised; first and foremost, it's a game of football. Tomorrow, each IRAN player will give the best of himself. Our opponents aren't an unknown quantity for us. We watched their match against Germany. The Americans seemed very nervous, but you mustn't forget that they were playing the best team in Europe. Each American player has his own special features, but we will adapt our game plan accordingly. We have a common ambition: to win the match and qualify for the last 16. To achieve this, we pray to our God each day. He dictates our acts."