Iran hope to shake off travel fatigue

ASIANCUP2004 – A wet and wintry pall descended on Jinan as the weary Iranian team finally arrived in the city 11 hours late.

The Iran squad, due to face Korea Republic on Saturday in the quarter-finals, were due to arrive on Thursday night from Chongqing.

But bad weather in Jinan forced their flight to divert to Yantai, around 500 kilometres east of their destination. The Group D runners-up finally reached their hotel in Jinan at around 10 am on Friday.

Coach Branko Ivankovic admitted he was concerned about the players’ physical well-being ahead of a tough match against Korea, the winners of Group B.

“We had a tough match against Japan in our last group game and already had one day less rest than Korea,” said Brankovic. “Then our flight was diverted, causing more delays.

“The players are very tired but to their credit they trained well today [Friday]. We will see how it affects them in the match but we won’t be using it as an excuse.”

Jinan is notorious for its foggy weather but the matches so far have been played largely in warm and sunny conditions.

However, heavy rain and fog clouded the city on Friday as temperatures dropped.

Brankovic said his players are ready to face Korea in whatever conditions Jinan offers.

"The weather might be a factor but the best players are able to adapt to all conditions,” he said. “And sometimes use the weather to their advantage.

“We have come here with high hopes and we are not going to let things like weather spoil it for us. We intend to play our best football.”

Brankovic said Iran and Korea represent the best of Asian football and the Jinan crowd can be guaranteed an entertaining match.

Iran showed against Japan that they are not afraid to attack, despite coming away with a 0-0 draw, and Korea, sometimes playing three strikers, also like to go forward.

“I believe Iran and Korea are among the best teams in Asia and it will be an excellent match. The crowd will certainly enjoy it,” he said.

“It’s a shame one of us will be knocked out but that’s the way it is.”