Veteran striker Ali Daei is doubtful for Iran's World Cup game against Portugal as Branko Ivankovic's team try to come back from their opening day loss to Mexico.

A second-half capitulation saw the Iranians lose 3-1 to the Central Americans and the participation of Daei, scorer of a world record 109 goals in 148 internationals, is in question due to a back injury.

"Portugal is our last chance to stay alive and advance to the round of 16. We can win," said the 37-year-old former Bayern Munich forward.

"It is still not clear if I will be able to play or not. We will have to wait and see a day before the match."

Daei has been criticised by the Iranian media for his part in the loss to Mexico but he hit out at his detractors, claiming he and strike partner Vahid Hashemian were acting out the orders of coach Ivankovic.

"I did what I was told to do by the coach but we just didn't get any passes from midfield," he told the Asian Football Confederation's official website.

"We had no chance of scoring in such circumstances.

"Every time Mexico took a free-kick or corner, I rushed back to help the defenders. Every time we lose I am blamed."