Shams not underestimating Lebanon

AFC - Iran coach Hossein Shams admitted he expects to face a much-improved Lebanon outfit when the two sides clash in the quarter-finals of the AFC Futsal Championships at Hua Mark Stadium on Thursday.

Iran have been in imperious form so far having swept all before them to top Group D and scoring 34 goals against conceding just one.

Lebanon, by contrast, squeezed into the last eight as, despite a 5-1 defeat to Uzbekistan in their final game, Malaysia's 4-3 victory over Korea Republic meant Dory Zakhour's side finished second in Group C.

That in itself is an achievement given the unrest the country is currently experiencing and the difficulty the Lebanon team endured just getting to Bangkok.

And Shams, who has injury concerns over Mohammad Hashemzadeh, believes Iran's opponents will prove a much more dangerous prospect now they have had time to settle into the tournament.

"As far as Lebanon is concerned, you know they have big problems in their country," he said.

"And this is not the real Lebanon you are seeing because we have played against them several times in different tournaments and we think that after two days rest, you may now see the real Lebanon.

"But of course we will also be changing our tactics and getting ready for the game."

Lebanon displayed all their fighting spirit in their opening game when they came back from 5-2 down with just 90 seconds left to draw 5-5 with Korea Republic.

It proved a crucial point as a 6-4 victory over Malaysia preceded the defeat to Uzbekistan before the Malaysians gave them a huge helping hand by edging out the Koreans.

However, coach Zakhour could be without three players for the encounter with skipper Rabih Abou Chaaya, Mahmoud Itani and Khaled Takaji, who have all been on the mark so far in the competition, struggling with injury.

And while Zakhour concedes they face what may seem an insurmountable task against the defending champions, he drew inspiration from Lebanon's 8-4 defeat to the same opponents in the group stages a year ago in Osaka and promised they will at the very least battle to the end.

"Iran are the best team and they have won the championship many times," he said.

"But I will try to get a result and we played very well against Iran in Japan when we scored four goals.

"I will do my best but I have too many problems."