FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017​: Iran aim to maintain unbeaten run by defeating Costa Rica in Group C clash

Margao: Their confidence sky-high after hammering Germany, Iran would look to end their league engagements unbeaten when they take on Costa Rica in a Group C clash of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup on Friday. Iran — top of the points table in Group C — have qualified for the knockout stage along with USA, Paraguay, Brazil, France and England, who are leading their respective groups with six points each. [caption id=“attachment_4120537” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Allahyar Sayyad of Iran celebrating with team members. Getty Images[/caption] The Asian giant-killers thrashed Germany 4-0 in their previous match. “It was a great performance by our boys against Germany. They played as a unit, controlled the proceedings and exploited the gaps in the German defence to score a fluent 4-0 win,” said Iran coach Abbas Chamanian. “It is their best performance so far and if they continue to perform in the same manner we have a great chance to reach the final,” said Abbas Chamanian. Abbas also complimented his defence, who never allowed the rival any space to operate in the danger zone. Knowing that the German defence is vulnerable under attack, the wily Iranian coach adopted an offensive approach and the move worked as the German defence fell apart under pressure conceding four goals. “Now that we have won both our matches, we are looking to win against Costa Rica to finish our league engagement with all win,” stated Chamanian. “We should not get carried away with the victory against the Germans and instead focus on Costa Rica who always look dangerous in front of the goal with their skillful play,” he added. Costa Rica, who lost to Germany in their opening match, have one point after they drew against Guinea, and now need to win to make it to the knockout round. Costa Rica found the going tough against Guinea, who dominated throughout but were denied by keeper Richardo. “It’s a do or die battle for us now and our boys know it. We need to play to our potential against a side who are on high confident after two consecutive win. “We have worked out a strategy to overcome the challenge and we are looking forward to win tomorrow,” stated Costa Rica coach Breansse Camacho. Squads: Iran: Gholam Zadeh Gomari, Satavi, Jalali, Esmaeil Zadeh Shahkola, Nasiri, Shariati Khameneh, Hosseinzadeh Tazehgheshlagh, Sharifi, Sayyad Manesh Shiadeh, Ghobeishavi, Delfi, Ashayer, Janipour, Davaran, Kooshki, Namdari DEhghadi, Ghaderi, Karimi Lishter, Sardari Amidabadi, Khaghani and Khoda Moradi. Costa Rica: Ricardo Montenegro, Andres Hernandez, Fernan Faerron, Karin Arce, Amferny Arias, Wabter Cortes, Morio Mora, Christian Munoz, Julen Cordero, Greivin Fonseca, Felipe Flores, Jose Alfaro, Brandon Calvo, Ronnier Bustomante, Josre Abarca, Andres Gomez, Yecxy Jarquin, Kevin Chamorro, Sebastian Castro, Alexander Roman and Daniel Chaon.