Carlos Queiroz extends contract with Iran

Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz signed a new four-year contract with Iran Football Federation (IFF) that will see him remain in charge of national team until the 2018 World Cup.

"First of all, I would like to thank Iranian fans, players and Iran Football Federation that put trust in me to continue as the head coach. I hope we could get good results to make all Iranians proud of their team," Queiroz said at the press conference after signing the contract Tuesday, reports Xinhua.

"After four years you know me, I'm not the person to promise but we will try our best to reach our goals. After the World Cup, we've discussed about a new project and new plans. We will start the project, and our short-term goal is to win the AFC Asian Cup. Our second goal is clear: we'll try to win every game and qualify for the 2018 World Cup," the Portuguese coach was quoted as saying.

Also, IFF president Ali Kaffashian said that their main goal is to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"I'm happy that we've chosen our coach, while there is plenty of time left until the next World Cup. Our main goal is to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia but we've divided Queiroz contract into three phases. The first one is AFC Asian Cup, we will analyze Queiroz's performance and if it is acceptable we would continue our cooperation, otherwise the contract will be terminated," Kaffashian said.

"The second phase is in the World Cup qualifying games. If he is successful, he would be Iran's coach at the 2018 World Cup in the third phase," Kaffashian added.

Kaffashian also stated that Queiroz will choose his assistants himself and there is no pressure from IFF to select anyone.

Under Queiroz, the Iranian national football team played out a goalless draw against Nigeria, suffered a late 0-1 defeat against Argentina, and lost 1-3 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group F of the 2014 World Cup. The AFC Asian Cup which will take place in Australia from Jan 9-31, will be another major test for the Portuguese.