AFC - Iran coach Mohammad Mayelikohan is
under no illusions that only a victory against China in a Group A Asian
Football Qualifier match will keep the Persians in touch with leaders Korea
Republic.
"I am very confident in facing China," said Mayelikohan. "I am not sure what
one point will do for us. What we need are three points to stay in touch
with Korea.
"For both teams, there is little point in going defensive. This is a match
that both teams must win, just so the victors can stay with Korea.
"The China team is full of potential. There are weaknesses as well. China do
not cope well with a pressing game and will make mistakes in defence. This
is where Iran must capitalise.
"Only a win against China can keep us in the chase on Korea.
"We don't have the luxury of thinking too much about the rest of the field
now. All that is on our mind is the match against China and I can tell you
we are not going to give up. We are going to fight on until the very end
against the Chinese."
Mayelikohan confirmed that skipper Javad Kazemian has travelled to China for
the crunch match on March 27 (Saturday), and while he is keeping his
starting lineup close to his chest, the Iranian coach is clearly brimming
with confidence after watching China being held to a 1-1 draw by Malaysia in
their last match.
"Javad is in very good condition. Although he was very affected by the death
of his younger brother, he is on the right path. I still have to see if
Javad will be fit to take to the field. His absence has cost us dearly
against Korea.
"We have made plans against China and will go through final discussions to
see who will start on Saturday.
"Training has been good and we have every hope to come out good against
China."
Mayelikohan is undoubtedly one of the most experienced coaches in Asian
football and has an impeccable track record against China that should
unsettle even the most fervent of Chinese supporters.
He led Iran to a 4-2 win over China during a World Cup qualifying match in
1997, and was also in charge in 1996 for one of Iran's most glorious
moments, a 6-2 win over mighty Korea Republic in the 1996 Asian Cup.
"I still believe there is not a lot that separates China, Korea and Iran. It
is understandable that anyone can beat anyone in this group. But when you
speak of history, Korea and Iran are still ahead of China," added
Mayelikohan.
"We have achieved at the World Cup Finals, Olympics, Asian Cup and other
Asian competitions. China cannot compare with Iran on that front. With
history comes confidence. This is very important.
"I believe this is my lucky town. I have a good record against Chinese
teams." |