Wednesday, January, 19

Tehran, Jan 19, IRNA, Vice-president and head of Physical Education Organization here Tuesday said Iran`s victory over Bahrain in their first-leg 2006 World Cup qualifier will be a major stride toward the finals of the most prestigious sporting event.

Mohsen Mehralizadeh, who received football officials in his office, attached great importance to Bahrain test, calling it an earlydeciding match.

Iran will meet Bahrain in the capital city Manama on Feb 9. All qualifying matches are important, said the ranking official warning that Iran should not underestimate the teams.

Bahrain surprisingly beat Iran 3-1 in Manama in 2001, denying Irana berth in the finals of 2002 Japan and South Korea World Cup as it was beaten by Ireland 2-1 on aggregate in the two-legged playoffs.

Mehralizadeh said, "We should draw lesson from unfortunate experience in Bahrain and help our national team qualify for 2006 World Cup finals. "As the sports chief, I will do my best to raise the players` spirits and will accompany the team in Manama."

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