Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has hit back at Jurgen Klinsmann after his criticism of the way the side played against Wales.
Queiroz’s side bounced back from a 6-2 thrashing against England in their opening game to beat Wales 2-0 and put Rob Page’s team on the brink of elimination.
However, Klinsmann suggested that one of the factors for Iran’s success is their ability to ‘work the referee’ under Queiroz.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz (L) has hit back at Jurgen Klinsmann after criticism of his team
Queiroz has defended his team, issuing a stinging rebuttal in an open letter on Twitter
The former Germany international was left unimpressed by Iran’s physical approach to the game, as they gave away 10 fouls and two bookings, leading him to claim that the approach was part of their ‘culture’ in comments many have criticized.
Queiroz has now stepped to his team’s defense, issuing a stinging rebuttal in an open letter on Twitter.
The coach slammed Klinsmann’s comments as a ‘disgrace’ to soccer. He also invited Klinsmann to the Iran camp to learn its ‘culture’ but only once he had resigned from his position as a member of FIFA’s Qatar 2022 Technical Study Group.
He wrote: ‘Dear Jurgen;
‘You took the initiative to call me Carlos, so I believe it is proper to call you Jurgen. Right? Even not knowing me personally, you question my character with a typical prejudiced judgment of superiority.
‘No matter how much I can respect what you did inside the pitch, those remarks about Iran Culture, Iran National Team and my Players are a disgrace to Football. Nobody can hurt our integrity if it is not at our level, of course.
Queiroz said the comments were a disgrace to soccer but invited Klinsmann to the Iran camp
‘Even saying so, we would like to invite you as our guest, to come to our National Team Camp, socialize with Iran players and learn from them about the Country, the people of Iran, the poets and art, the algebra, all the millennial Persian culture and also listen from our players how much they love and respect Football.
‘As American/German, we understand your no support. No problem. And despite your outrageous remarks on BBC trying to undermine our efforts, sacrifices and skills, we promise you that we will not produce any judgments regarding your culture, roots and background and that you will always be welcome to our Family
‘At the same time, we just want to follow with full attention what will be the decision of FIFA regarding your position as a member of Qatar 2022 Technical Study Group. Because, obviously, we expect you to resign before you visit our camp.’
The coach added he expected Klinsmann to resign from the Qatar 2022 Technical Study Group
Klinsmann’s comments came while he was on punditry duty for the BBC. He said: ‘Carlos fits really well with the national team and their culture, he failed in South America with Colombia and then failed to qualify with Egypt, and he came in right before the World Cup with Iran, where he worked for a long time.’
Queiroz and Iran seem to be a match made in heaven following their latest triumph and Klinsmann believes that the way they play is no accident.
‘It is not by coincidence, it is part of their culture, how they play. They worked the referee. They work the linesman and fourth official, they are constantly in their ear. There were a lot of incidents we didn’t see,’ said the former USA manager.
Klinsmann had claimed that Iran have learned to ‘work the referee’ under the coach
The game between Iran and Wales was fiercely contested right from the opening minute
‘This is their culture, they take you off your game.’
Klinsmann then went on to make a controversial statement – stating that the outcome of the match could have been different with different officials in charge.
‘It would have been different with a different referee. They have five people around the referee. This did not play into the hands of Wales.’
The win against Wales means that qualification from Group B is now in Iran’s hands.
Queiroz’s side take on the USA in the final round of group stage games knowing that they are in control of their own fate – something not many could have predicted before the start of the tournament.
Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off following an intervention by VAR
Ramin Rezaeian scored with a delicate chip to put his side 2-0 up and to seal the victory
Qualification from Group B is now in Iran’s hands following their 2-0 win against Wales
Iran lost their opening game of the World Cup 6-2 against England and many began to write off their chances of progress.
However, Iran bounced back with this 2-0 win against Wales thanks to goals from Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian.
Iran fans will be hoping that their good form continues before their all-important clash against the USA.
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