Chinese coach Shen keeps low-tone before Iran's game

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