Faraki keeps faith with midfield

AFC - Despite missing the influential duo of Hossein Kabei and Ali Badavi through suspension, newly-appointed Iran Olympic coach Hossein Faraki is still keeping faith with his original crop of midfielders.

With Iran badly needing a win to keep alive their hopes of qualification for Athens 2004, the newly appointed coach, who replaces the outgoing Mohammad Mayelikohan, has made sweeping changes to the squad that lost 3-1 to China during their last Asian Football Qualifiers 2004 Group A game on March 27.

The eight changes made for the rematch are mainly in defence and attack, suggesting that the problems that the Iranians have encountered in their campaign thus far have had little to do with their midfield.

Korea Republic are clearly in the driving seat in Group A with a maximum 12 points from their first four matches, and a draw in Tehran on April 16 (Friday) will do neither Iran or China any good as it will book Korea's ticket to Athens.

"I know there is little chance of qualification now but in football nothing is foreseeable," said Faraki. "I've tried to raise the morale of the players. 

"We must win all three remaining games and hope for China to beat Korea. I believe that nothing is impossible."

Not surprisingly, China are also adopting a similar determination heading into this must-win game.

"We must win but we will pay special attention to defence," said China Olympic coach Shen Xiangfu.

"They will play in their home and are strong in attacks. This is a very dangerous game and we must be ready on every point. 

"I've told my team that there may be many problems, weather, Iranian fans and even the referee, so we must be on our top notch both physically and mentally."