Ghotbi upbeat on Iran's presence in 2010 World Cup

TERHAN - Iran's soccer coach Afshin Qotbi said the country can easily beat South Korea if it manages to thrash the UAE.

No doubt that Iran can go to World Cup 2010 whether directly or through play-offs, Qotbi said as expressing satisfaction on Iran's performance against North Korea on Saturday.

The UAE will be dropped from the list of participant countries and South Korea will definitely go to the World Cup, he said adding Iran, Saudi Arabia and North Korea are hopeful to take part in World Cup competitions.

Also concerning a little weak performance of Iranian players in the second half of match with North Korea, he said "we played well, but we experienced a bad luck and if we managed to kick the ball into the goal we, we would obtain three points.

Qotbi continued it is so important for Iran to beat the UAE to become motivated enough for its match with South Korea.

After the draw with North Korea, Iran needs to thrash the UAE and South Korea in its two remaining matches to secure its presence in Group B of World Qualifiers.

Iran will play the UAE Wednesday evening.

ISNA