Iran manager Branko Ivankovic says he’d like to separate politics from sport when he leads the team at World Cup 2006.

The coach won’t bar the squad from speaking on any topic, but hopes all lines of questioning focus on the games.

"Obviously, people can ask the players about anything that they want," Ivankovic told Reuters. "We don't have any restrictions, but I would rather people built a clear wall between sport and politics."

"Of course, it is hard for the players to switch off completely from what is going on with Iran, but we have a young ambitious squad who I am convinced will only be thinking about the football."

Ivankovic also offered his opinion that the team can advance from the group stage for the first time.

"The expectations are always incredibly high in Iran," he said. "But I think we do have the strength to get through even if Portugal and Mexico will be clear favorites."

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