MEXICO-IRAN: Players' Quotes

Ali DAEI (IRN)
Mexico were not a superior team. We were equal to them. The most disappointing thing was that we made two mistakes that led to goals. On the other hand, Mexico made two good substitutions in the second half which made them stronger going forward. The game against Portugal is vital. We have to play better than today and we need to win.


Vahid HASHEMIAN (IRN)
We played two different games today. The first half was very good but we played too defensively in the second, mainly due to the fact that Ali Karimi went off injured. But if Angola win or draw against Portugal, it will be still wide open. Anything is possible in football.
Ferydoon ZANDI (IRN)
It was a superb atmosphere in Nuremberg. You have to enjoy playing in front of a crowd like that. To make three mistakes for one goal is extremely annoying. We have to play better as a whole and play further up the field. Our biggest error was that we sat too deep in defence.

Omar BRAVO (MEX)
Budweiser Man of the Match I thank God, the coach and most of all my team-mates for making this victory possible. But more important than this award is the win for the team which keeps us nicely in the running. This is one of the most emotional days of my career, and what better way to round it off than with two goals. Iran are a great team. They battled and never gave up. The atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic.

Jose FONSECA (MEX)
It was a great match and felt like a home game. We feel very at home and welcome in Germany and hope things continue to go as well as this. The team spirit is very good and we're delighted to have won the game.

Oswaldo SANCHEZ(MEX)
I know my father was watching me from heaven during the game. I thank the team for the flowers before the game. It’s a nice feeling when you know that the team is thinking of you. Right now I’m thinking about my family a lot, and I’m here because I’m sure it’s what my father would have wanted.

Rafael MARQUEZ (MEX)
It was a very important win and I’m very happy with it. We kept the ball better in the second half which settled us. The two changes in the second half were the key to victory. Iran were a very strong opponent. We have to stay calmer in the next games and make fewer mistakes. It was a dream for us that Oswaldo (Sanchez) played. That gave us more stability. It was like a home game for us today.

Carlos SALCIDO (MEX)
I’m delighted that we won. We’ve made a good start to the tournament. It was a fascinating game. Iran were good opponents and the win means a lot to us. We definitely want to reach the second round and we don’t care who we play.