F.A. - DUBAI, Coach Branko Ivankovic believes that his side will make up for the disappointment of missing out on the 2002 World Cup by qualifying for Germany 2006.

 
Speaking to Dubai daily Al Bayan, the Croat stated his confidence in the current team, which finished third at last year’s Asian Cup and is currently ranked second in Asia and 20th in the world.
 

"The flair and performances of the Iranian players have given me confidence to make such a prediction," said Ivankovic.
 

"I started my work with the aim of making Iran's national football squad ready for the event three years ago and now the team has a high level of performance.
 

"My players are young and will surely improve their performance in the coming years."

 

Iran will warm up for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers with a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on January 21 and another possible friendly against a yet to be determined opponent.
 

The Iranians, who missed out on the last World Cup after losing in a playoff to the Republic of Ireland, are in Group B with Asian Cup champions, Bahrain and DPR Korea. They open their qualifying campaign against Bahrain in Manama on February 9.