Iran coach questions inconsistency as preparation for Belgium match cut short

Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei has criticized the increasingly difficult preparation conditions for his team's World Cup match against Belgium. He questioned why U.S. authorities appeared willing to offer greater travel flexibility for later group games but not for their opening fixtures.

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We only managed to train half the time we usually spend on training. We wanted to have optimal physical and technical preparation.

Iran has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, during the tournament, commuting to the U.S. for their Group G matches due to restrictions on their stay. This issue has drawn scrutiny throughout the World Cup, with U.S. officials stating that the Iran squad's travel arrangements continue to be assessed.

Speaking on Saturday, Ghalenoei said the latest schedule left his team with less than 16 hours to prepare, forcing them to cut training short. "We only managed to train half the time we usually spend on training," he told reporters via an interpreter. "We wanted to have optimal physical and technical preparation." He added that the situation was worse than before Iran's opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand, when they had 24 hours to train.

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The conditions have become even harder.

Ghalenoei reserved sharp criticism for the inconsistency in how Iran's travel plans were handled. He stated that he had been informed Iran would have more control over arrangements for their final group match in Seattle against Egypt on June 26. "For the third game, they've allowed us to decide to make our own decisions with regards to planning the travel," he said. "But what my problem is, why didn't they let us come earlier for the first two games as well? If they've managed to do this now, why didn't they do that for our first game and for this game?"

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For the third game, they've allowed us to decide to make our own decisions with regards to planning the travel. But what my problem is, why didn't they let us come earlier for the first two games as well? If they've managed to do this now, why didn't they do that for our first game and for this game?

Despite his frustrations, Ghalenoei praised FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the world soccer's governing body for their efforts to ease the challenges. He also thanked U.S. authorities for facilitating the team's arrival procedures smoothly. Belgium, who drew their opening match 1-1 with Egypt, had more time to settle before the game, according to Ghalenoei. The Iranian coach emphasized that his players would focus on the football, stating, "The Belgian team is a very strong and highly respected team and undoubtedly it's going to be a tough game tomorrow. But we are also Iranians."

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I know for sure that FIFA and Mr Infantino are doing the utmost to ease these challenges that we are facing. I think FIFA did its utmost to minimise the problems we have faced.