Iran's coach promises to be over the moon or dead

The Republic of Ireland soccer team will learn their opponents for next month's World Cup play-offs today, when the United Arab Emirates meet Iran in Abu Dhabi in the Asian third-place decider.

But as excitement builds here ahead of the November 10th home leg, it is nothing compared with the frenzy gripping our likely opponents. Iran yesterday jailed 80 violent soccer fans until the end of the qualifying campaign.

President Khatami's appeal for calmer celebrations appears to have been undermined by announcement by the team manager, Miroslav Blazevic, that he will kill himself if his team fails today.

Iran defend a one-goal lead from the first leg, a game in which they missed many chances. They remain favourites to qualify, but UAE will be hoping to exploit the brittle temperament that saw Iran blow automatic qualification in the group stages. Needing only to beat Bahrain, they lost 3-1 and had two players and the manager sent off.

By contrast, officials at the Iranian Embassy in Dublin spent the bank holiday weekend calmly processing advance visa applications from potential Irish visitors. The First Secretary, Mr Amir Miri, said his compatriots were looking forward to a "nice" game against Ireland. And in the likely absence of Roy Keane, many Irish fans fear this is a real possibility.

The Iranian soccer website Persian Football says that while the Irish team is a "hungry wolf", manager Mick McCarthy rightly worries about meeting Iran.

But whatever about the team, the Iranian Embassy insists Irish fans need not worry about trouble in Tehran. "There are hardliners and extremists everywhere, but this is not the general mood in Iran. Iranians like Irish people very much."

While travelling Irish fans have an exclusively peaceful reputation, another reputation may have to be put on hold for the November 15th away leg, whichever of the Muslim countries plays host.

Last night, Mr Miri confirmed alcohol remains strictly forbidden in Iran and added: "I personally believe football should not have anything to do with alcohol. It is well known that alcohol damages the minds and bodies of ordinary people, let alone followers of sportsmen. I hope the Irish fans will find another way to celebrate."