Islamic Republic of Iran will go into their deciding 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group B match against Portugal high in confidence and with no fear.

As head coach Carlos Queiroz sees it, Team Melli have nothing to lose against a team who are one of the favourites to lift the title but with IR Iran on the brink of creating history, he promised a performance filled with courage and passion against the reigning European champions.

«Portugal are not only a World Cup candidate but one of the most popular candidates for the championship,» said Queiroz of his home nation.

«Portugal are a powerful team and their coach Fernando (Santos) has very strong players, offensively and defensively. It will be a tough challenge for us but one that I believe we can overcome,» said Queiroz.

While a draw will take Portugal through to the Round of 16, IR Iran need a win to advance to the Knockout Stage for the first time in history.

«We know that we learned our lessons in the matches against Morocco (won 1-0) and Spain (lost 0-1), and we have the choice to be better. Portugal are very strong but we are a team of 23 players.

“We have only one alternative, to be better than Portugal in every aspect,” Queiroz said. “We didn’t come here to be nice losers, we have come here to work with dignity and pride for Iran supporters.”

“We are going to fight for 90 minutes. We have a dream and we fight for that dream, we have nothing to lose. They have everything to lose.”