Iran defeated India 3-0 in a Group D clash of the 2018 World Cup qualifier at the Sree Kanteerava stadium in Bangalore.
However, away coach Carlos Queiroz insisted that his side was surprised by India’s performance.
“I must say the way India started, we were a bit surprised. We didn’t expect them to play with so much determination. They caused us a lot of problems,” the Iran coach said at the post match press conference.
“I would like to congratulate the players from both teams. It was a good game and a competitive game. Both teams wanted to win and get three points,” Queiroz added.
“I don’t think India played defensively. We felt the pressure in the start and we didn’t expect that. It was necessary for us to fight and play in full concentration. We felt the pressure from India in the first half,” the 62-year-old concluded.