Iran U23 team will wrap up its preparations for the 2018 Asian Games with a friendly game against China on August 9.
The four-time title winner Iran is in Group F in the Asian Games with 2014 silver medalist North Korea, Saudi Arabia and Myanmar, the AFC reported on its website.
Croatian head coach of Iran Zlatko Kranjcar has named his 20-man squad as Iran seeks to win its first gold medal since last emerging champion in 2002. The nation’s previous triumphs were in 1998, 1990 and 1974.
The U23 team opens its campaign against Saudi Arabia on August 15, before playing North Korea two days later. Iranians will complete their group stage campaign against Myanmar on August 20.
Men’s football will be contested from August 14 to September 1 in Jakarta and Palembang.
Kranjcar has called 27 players for the training camps and will keep 23 as the main squad.
Kranjcar was appointed the head coach of Iran under-23 football team in April, signing a contract until 2020.
The Croatian has won Iran Pro League and Hazfi cup, each once, with Sepahan club. In his managing career he also has won other honors including Croatian First League title twice with Dinamo Zagreb and once with NK Zagreb. The U23 team represents Iran in international football competitions, in Olympic Games, Asian Games and AFC U22 Asian Cup.
Add new comment
Read our comment policy before posting your viewpoints