By FRANCO PANIZO
Steve Beitashour said earlier this month that he hopes to be playing in the World Cup this summer, and he has just moved one step closer to accomplishing that.
Beitashour was included in the 30-man preliminary World Cup roster that Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz released on Tuesday. The Vancouver Whitecaps fullback is one of 11 defenders on the squad, and among the few players that do not currently ply their trade in the Middle East.
The 27-year-old defender chose to play for Iran, the birth nation of both his parents, last October. He has since earned four caps with the team and should head into Iran’s camp with plenty of confidence after starting and playing in 10 games in his first season with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Iran has been drawn into Group F at this summer’s World Cup and open the tournament versus Nigeria on June 16. It then battles Argentina on June 21 and wraps up group play against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 25.
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What do you think are the chances Beitashour makes it to Brazil? Do you see him potentially being a starter for Iran? Impressed with how he has played with the Whitecaps?
Share your thoughts below.