Asian Cup Group C Preview: China - Iran

GOAL - These two nations have a fairly long history with Asian football standards. They have met in fifteen FIFA “A” matches where Iran holds an 8-3 advantage over China.   Although four of these encounters have ended in draws, the two have scored a total of 40 goals between them for a 2.7 goal/match average. So it is fair to expect a few goals every time these two take the field.  

 This will be the second group match for both teams, so they both should be somewhat acclimated to the difficult weather conditions in the host country. However, if the other matches are any indication, the winner will most likely be the most physically fit of the two.  

Iran is currently the top ranked team in Asia while China is sitting at the tenth spot.

IRAN  

Iran camp has been exuding confidence leading to this match. Skipper Mehdi Mahdavikia told reporters that he believes his team will perform much better than they did against Uzbekistan in their first match where Iran defeated the Uzbeks 2:1, but had to come from behind, and rely on the bench in the process.

Striker Vahid Hashemian warned against China’s speed and height, but he too believes that Iran should end on top if they can withstand the expected first half Chinese pressure.  

 Defender Rahman Rezaei who was guilty of an own goal against Uzbekistan echoed the same confident tone promising no more defensive letdowns against China.  

Coach Amir Ghalehnoei chose to take a pragmatic approach. Praising the speed of the Chinese attackers, he suggested that his team must do their due diligence on the defensive end if they expect to prevail.  

CHINA  

China demolished hosts Malaysia 5:1 in their first match helping the much maligned Coach Zhu Guanghu who felt somewhat vindicated. Zhu took charged after China failed to qualify for Germany 2006. A series of bad results, especially a defeat to Thailand in May, caused the critics to call on the Chinese Football Association (CFA) to replace Zhu with the U-22 coach Ratomir Dujkovic, but fortunately for Zhu, the CFA resisted. After the Malaysia match Zhu told reporters that it was all those criticisms that had helped galvanize his team.

  Zhu told reporters that he has watched the tape of Iran’s first match and is well aware of their fast attacking capabilities. “They are a good team.” Zhu said, “But this is a game we can't lose. Three points are all that we need. We beat them in the last Asian Cup, and I hope we can do this again."  

RECENT HISTORY  

China defeated Iran in the semi-finals of the 2004 Asian Cup in Beijing. In that match Iran allowed a first half goal, and despite playing most of the second half with one man down managed to tie the game only to lose yet another man before the end of regulation time. Despite the two man disadvantage they held on through the extra time only to lose in the ensuing shootout.  

 Having felt that they were victims of bad refereeing, the players remaining from the 2004 team have revenge in mind. Amongst them are Iran’s European based quartet of Mehdi Mahdavikia, Ali Karimi, Javad Nekounam, and Vahid Hashemian.  

TEAM NEWS  

Iran – No injuries are reported in the Iranian camp. Captain Mehdi Mahdavikia who lost a pair of teeth against Uzbekistan is reported to be in fine shape and ready to go.  

China - Coach Zhu expressed caution on Thursday. He downplayed China’s 5:1 trashing of Malaysia, and told reporters that he expected a much tougher challenge from Iran.  

KEY PLAYER  

Iran – Iran’s central defender Rahman Rezaei struggled against Uzbekistan. He must bounce back from his poor performance, and focus on neutralizing China’s height and speed in attack.  

China – The 1.84-metre tall striker Han Peng was excellent early on against Malaysia. He must bring most of the same and try to expose Iran’s weaknesses in defense.    

Afshin Afshar
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