' Iran always expected to win': Ivankovic

AFC - Iran's semi-final clash against old rivals Iraq on Thursday promises to be the match of the tournament so far as the 2nd WAFF Championship in Syria enters the final stages.

Yet despite the fact that Iraq have emerged as the tournament favourites, Iran coach Branko Ivankovic knows that Iranian fans at home and in Damascus will only be happy if his young side successfully retain the trophy they lifted two years ago in Jordan.

"Iran always expects to win," said Ivankovic, whose side are trying to satisfy the expectations of football nation still in mourning following last year's failure to qualify for the World Cup.

"Everything is possible, and we will try our best."

Ivankovic admitted that his team's confidence had improved vastly after their comprehensive 2-0 victory over Lebanon that sealed their place in the last four following their shock 1-0 loss to Jordan in the opening match.

"The confidence is much better now," said Ivankovic, whose predominantly Under-23 side is in preparation for the Asian Games in Busan starting later this month.

"After the loss to Jordan, we had three hard days of training, and now I expect us to be much more confident when we play Iraq in the semis."

Adnan Hamd's fast-improving Iraq side have emerged as the favourites following two impressive displays in victories over Palestine (2-0) and hosts Syria (1-0).

The latter victory was achieved without influential midfielder Abdul Wahab Abou Al Heil, who Hamd rested as the team had already sealed their place in the final four.

"We played well against Syria and I'm very happy with the team. I was also very happy as we did it without Abdul Wahab, as I wanted to rest him for the semi-final. Hopefully he will be fresh for the match against Iran."