TEHRAN – Two friendly matches against Uruguay and Senegal have improved confidence of Iran national football team ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Team Melli edged past Uruguay in Austria last week and drew with Senegal four days later.

Carlos Queiroz replaced Dragan Skocic as Iran coach in early September and there was the worry that he faces lack of time to prepare the team for the World Cup but Team Melli’s performances in the friendlies showed that the Team can reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time at the tournament in Qatar in November and December.

 Iran’s opening World Cup Group B match is against England in Al Rayyan on Nov. 21.

Team Melli earned a 1-0 win over Uruguay, ranked 13th, and also shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw against 18th ranked Senegal.

The two results have improved the confidence of the best Asian team and they want to book their place in the 2022 World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever.

Iran will also play one more friendly in Tehran ahead of the World Cup and Carlos Queiroz can decide his final lineup for the competition.