Iran's Ali Daei could miss Portugal match

NUREMBERG, Jun 12 (Reuters) Iran striker Ali Daei could miss his team's next Group D match against Portugal on Saturday due to a back injury, his coach Branko Ivankovic said today.

''Ali Daei did not train today because of a back injury. I think it is very hard for him to play against Portugal,'' Ivankovic told reporters.

Ali Daei, who is the captain and the only footballer to score more than 100 international goals, briefly watched as his team mates train at a local pitch but did not take part.

The 37-year-old captain is seen as father figure and an inspiration for the whole team.

''We have to see but I don't think he can play,'' the Croat said.

Ali Karimi, who has been nursing an ankle injury since March but also played against Mexico, took part only briefly in training.

He ran barefoot several laps around the pitch before piling icepacks on his ankle.

''Karimi's injury is the old one and he has had problems with it but I think he will be okay for Portugal.'' Asked whether Mehdi Mahdavikia, Iran's best player in the 3-1 defeat against Mexico, and also recovering from a back injury, would be fit for Saturday, Ivankovic said he would probably feature in the team.

''Yes, I am confident,'' he said.

Iran also play Angola on June 21.

REUTERS PDS HT1815