Ghotbi vows to win Asian Cup, reach Brazil

Ghotbi has set his sights on winning the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar and also helping Iran reach the second round of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The US-raised coach arrived too late to help Iran qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2010 but has vowed to make amends with a new four-year plan to revitalise Iran football.

“I want all Iranians to know that we did whatever we could, but we could not finish successfully,” he told media.

“I have prepared a four-year plan which Iran’s Football Federation has called for. If it all goes according to play, Iran will not only qualify for the 2014 World Cup but also reach the second round and win the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.”

Iran finished fourth in Group B of the World Cup qualifiers to miss out on South Africa. Korea Republic and DPR Korea finished first and second to gain automatic qualification while third-placed Saudi Arabia go on to play Bahrain in a two-tiered play-off.

In the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Iran are leading Group E with four points from two matches, one point ahead of Singapore. Also in the group are Thailand and Jordan.

Ghotbi is now negotiating with the Iran Football Association to extend his contract.