WC 2018: Reaction to the World Cup draw
Group B
Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran
Portugal coach Fernando Santos: “It’s a very deceptive and treacherous group. Portugal have to accept that we are one of the favorites but if you look in a bit more detail, you can see it’s very difficult. Spain are naturally favorites, as I’ve always said.”
Spain coach Julen Lopetegui: ”Portugal are a great team, the current European champions and with a host of top-level footballers. The majority of Morocco’s players are playing in Europe and they knocked the Ivory Coast out and haven’t lost any games.
“Iran didn’t concede a single goal in qualifying and have a coach who has been there a long time.”
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz: “Personally, I‘m happy because Spain and Portugal are two very special teams for me. For Iran, it’s going to be really tough... the most important thing is to play with ambition and leave the World Cup honorably.”
Morocco coach Herve Renard: “Our first match against Iran will be decisive....It looks difficult on paper but nothing is impossible in football. We have to believe in ourselves and continue with the same dynamic... it’s going to be marvelous.”
Reuters