Tasnim - Iran great Ali Daei says the future is bright for Iran, as Team Melli looks to get through the group phase at a World Cup for the first time.


Daei, who is lauded as Iran�s greatest player following a career that saw him crowned Asia�s Player of the Year in 1999 and play for Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin, said the highly rated Azmoun can use this summer�s tournament to further his career.

�We have young strikers and the future will belong to them, especially Sardar Azmoun because he�s really young. He can have a bright future. I�m hoping he can choose the right route, that he can go in the right direction in the future for himself and also for our national team,� Daei told Reuters.

Iran has been drawn in Group B alongside Portugal, Spain and Morocco at the June 14 to July 15 World Cup.

�The World Cup could be a jumping point for many players to change everything,� said Daei. �I�m quite confident Sardar can make a move from Russia to a top level club.�

�We have a good team, we�re not an easy team for any Asian team to play against and if we can keep up our standards then there�s no reason why we can�t do well,� Saipa coach added.