Iran;s Ali Daei will not play against Portugal because of back problems.

Coach Branko Ivankovic said Daei, who holds the world record for international goals with 109, took a knock during Iran’s 3-1 Group D defeat to Mexico on Sunday.

“He suffered a hit in the back during yesterday’s game and probably won’t be fit to play against Portugal,” Brankovic said.
Iran play Portugal on Saturday and tournament debutants Angola - who lost 1-0 to Portugal on Sunday - on 21 June.

This World Cup wasn’t the happiest one for Iran.

Their campaign has been hit by a series of injury problems, especially to the key contingent of Bundesliga players.

Bayern Munich’s Ali Karimi struggled through 55 minutes against Mexico, Mehdi Mahdavikia rushed his recovery from a back injury to play, while Ferydoon Zandi missed the match altogether after falling ill and suffering a muscle problem.

Source: WCoffsite