Faraki calls for Chinese assistance

AFC - Iran Olympic coach Hossein Faraki has called on China to do his side a huge favour by defeating Korea Republic when the two East Asian sides meet in an Asian Football Qualifier on May 1.

China are now out of the reckoning for a place at Athens after a 2-1 loss at the Azadi Stadium last weekend, Shen Xiangfu’s team left with nothing but pride to play for in their remaining games against Korea on May 1 and Malaysia on May 12.

After that win over China, Iran are still in with a fighting chance to claim that last berth to the Finals, Faraki for the moment, silently confident that the Persians could yet still edge Korea for a spot should they beat Malaysia by at least five goals on April 30 and then go for a straight win at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on May 12.

"I am worried the victory might have arrived a little late," said Faraki to Qingdao Nightly. "Our chances of qualifying for Athens are slim. After two consecutive defeats against Korea and then China, it felt good to get a win under our belts. I just hope this win is the beginning of something great.

"I do believe China have the ability to defeat Korea. I am putting a lot of hopes in them to help us leapfrog over the Koreans. China are, in my mind, stronger and only lost against Korea in the opening game because of a defensive error late in the match.

"Both teams can only get stronger and while having every confidence that we will be able to beat Korea in our final match on May 12, I am just as equally confident China will be able to defeat Korea at home 11 days earlier."

As the newly appointed Iran Olympic coach now look to prepare his team for a high octane performance against Malaysia, Faraki admitted he was getting edgy during the opening exchanges against China last Friday.

"China came out with all guns blazing after kick-off and their attack had given us plenty of problems during the opening minutes," added Faraki. "The opening 20 minutes caught me by surprise and I was worried my team might not have coped.

"China did score after the half hour mark but thankfully, my players were able to withhold the early pressure and actually came back with an equalising effort.

"I made some tactical changes in the second-half and instructed my team to be more adventurous in offence. The side delivered and got their due rewards. The Chinese forwards had hardly troubled us all match long and I thought their game was losing shape as the minutes ticked away."