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AFC - Arie Haan has been named the AFC Coach of the Month for February after the Dutchman guided China to a goalless draw against World Cup winners Brazil, a result that helped his new side earn the Coca-Cola AFC Team of the Month award. Haan’s high-profile first match in charge enabled China to win back some respect following their previous clash with Brazil, when Bora Milutinovic’s side lost 4-0 in last year’s World Cup. Despite being billed as an exhibition game, the five-time world champions sent a full-strength squad to Guangdong including Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho and 2002 FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldo, all of whom had scored against China at the Jeju World Cup Stadium. Even with such a sizzling selection of superstars on display, Brazil were frequently frustrated in front of goal, while China’s impressive organisation saw the home side dictate play for much of the game, especially in the first half. Everton midfielder Li Tie was a colossus in midfield, refusing the Brazilians time to settle into their rhythm, while Sun Jihai playing on the left side of midfield created several excellent chances which his teammates failed to convert. Having impressed with his team selection and tactics against Brazil, Haan then guided his team to a 1-0 defeat of Estonia. Without China’s overseas contingent, the former Netherlands international had the chance to experiment with his line-up. However, it was seasoned campaigner Li Weifeng, the former Everton defender, who headed home a Zhao Junzhe corner to give the coach his first win with China. Meanwhile, Iran international Mehdi Mahdavikia has been named the AFC Player of the Month following his scintillating displays for Hamburg in the German Bundesliga. After a slick pass set up Sergej Barberez to give Hamburg a 1-0 win over second-placed Werder Bremen, the former Pirouzi winger supplied a sublime delivery for Noahiro Takahara to equalise against Bayern Munich in their next match. Not only was it the Japan striker’s first Bundesliga goal since joining from Jubilo Iwata, the 90th-minute header from Mahdavikia’s pinpoint cross ended German international keeper Oliver Kahn's record of 802 minutes without conceding a goal in the league. While Takahara was hitting the headlines with the significance of his debut strike, Mahdavikia was hitting the top of the assists chart after setting up 10 goals in as many games. However, he wasn’t finished for the month, as the man described by Hamburg coach Kurt Jara as “one of the best wingers in Europe” turned provider once again, setting up Rodolfo Cardoso for the opener in their 2-0 win over Wolfsburg. |
