Xinhuanet - Compared with Irani coach's
sky-high confidence, Chinese Under-23 head coach Shen Xiangfu kept low-tone
for Saturday's Olympic soccer qualifier against Iran.
Shen Friday said the home side will not give up, especially in this most
difficult time.
"It's more and more difficult for China to qualify for the Athens Olympic
Games," said Shen. "But if there is one percentage of hope, we will make one
hundred percentage of effort."
"Even if no hope for us, we could not lose our confidence. We should fight
on, for Chinese Olympic squad and for tomorrow's national squad," added Shen.
China was two points trailing after Iran and five points adrift of Group A
leader South Korea with four games remaining. Both China and Iran must win
Saturday's clash as only the victor can stay with South Korea competing for
the only spot in Group A to qualify for Athens 2004.
Iran's coach Mohammad Mayelikohan Friday expressed his confidence of taking
three points from China, saying "China does not cope well with a pressing
game".
"I'm very confident of 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." Enditem
