(Reuters) - Iran secured back-to-back World Cup qualification for the first time in the country's history as Carlos Queiroz and his team sealed the nation's fifth appearance at the finals with relative comfort. Queiroz has sought to strike a balance between youth and experience, keeping World Cup veterans Ashkan Dejagah and Jalal Hosseini involved as he sets his sights on taking the country into the second round for the first time. The Portuguese coach has voiced concerns over the impact a lack of high quality opposition in the lead-up to the finals could have on his team. But, with the Iran boasting the defensive attributes typically associated with a Queiroz-coached side, the three-time Asian Cup winners are hopeful of a longer stay in Russia for their fanatical support than at any previous World Cup. (Writing by Michael Church in Hong Kong; Editing by John O'Brien)

Source: The Star November 23, 2017 00:11 UTC