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AFC - It was confirmed early in the week
that China skipper Du Wei will not be playing against Iran at the
intimidating Azadi Stadium during an Asian Football Group A qualifier on
April 16 (Friday).
The Shanghai Shenhua defender picked up a foot injury late last week and it
has been speculated that Zhang Baofeng will step into the side as direct
replacement, the Changchun starlet likely to partner Zhang Yaokun and Hu
Zhaojun in defence.
China are currently in second place in Group A, holding four points and just
one point ahead of Iran after three rounds of games. Korea Republic are
still hot favourites to qualify out of the cluster as the East Asians hold a
100% record, Malaysia with little but pride to play for as they hold that
sole point earned against China on March 20.
While clearly concerned with losing arguably his biggest asset, China
Olympic coach Shen Xiangfu was, surprisingly, more concerned with losing his
attacking touch as opposed to worrying about the much lauded Persian attack.
"Nobody has given up hopes of qualifying for the Olympics. Du will not be
playing and I dare say his omission will affect the attack more than
defence," said Shen on Chinese daily Football.
"He is the main focal point where most of our attack starts. His long passes
and the way he moves into midfield are big features of our play - his
heading ability one of our key strengths and something that we would have
been able to use against Iran.
"When he first started, he was only able to diffuse the danger but now that
he's injected more elements into his game, he has been able to contribute
more than most players.
"His competitiveness and mental strength is the most reliable in the squad.
Moreover, he has been in good form so do lose him at this point is most
certainly regrettable."
China Olympic goalkeeper, the custodian who was at the last World Cup Finals
with Du, is however, more upbeat after hearing about Du’s injury.
"Du's absence will definitely affect us," said the Dalian Shide goalkeeper.
"His injury will hurt us but I do not think it will be detrimental. I am,
like the team, still full of confidence.
"We are obviously nervous but at the same time eager to play Iran. Every big
match should hold such emotions and being excited only represents the
players' dedication to the match and how serious they are going into the
game.
Meanwhile, An's team-mate at club level Zhang Yaokun has been passed fit for
the Iranian test after a rude scare during a training exercise. Zhang was
stepped on the foot during a friendly game but was later deemed fit to
travel to Tehran. |
