Daei sets sights on derailing China

ASIANCUP2004 - Iran captain Ali Daei has warned host nation China that home advantage might not be enough if they want to stay in the Asian Cup.

The Iranians, brimming with confidence after their sensational 4-3 quarter-final victory over Korea Republic on Saturday, take on China in Beijing on Tuesday for a place in the final.

Daei and his teammates showed that reputations count for nothing with a breathtaking display of attacking football against the shell-shocked Koreans.

“We were very confident when we played the Koreans,” said Daei on Sunday. “We will take that same confidence to the game against China. We are not scared of them. We can beat anyone in this tournament, even if they are the hosts.”

Daei, who is closing in on 100 international goals, has scored just once in four matches so far but is not worried about his strike rate.

“We are winning and have reached the semi-finals. Whether myself or others score, as long as we win, that’s the main thing.”

National coach Branko Ivankovic is also confident about his team’s chances against China.

Ivankovic has seen three defenders suspended during the preliminary rounds for violent play and then, en route from Chongqing to Jinan for the quarter-final, he spent 10 hours with his team in Yantai after their flight was diverted because of bad weather.

“After all these problems, we are now in the semi-finals and every team at this stage is confident they can win,” he said.

“China will be favourites to beat us because they are the hosts but they can’t expect an easy game. We will respect China but we will also fight very hard.”

One of Iran’s stars against Korea was 2003 Asian Player of the Year Mehdi Mahdavikia, who was involved in all of Ali Karimi’s three goals.

The Hamburg player has been in fine form at the Asian Cup and is hoping to show off his skills in the August 7 final in Beijing.

“It was a team effort and everyone contributed. It will be great to play in the final and we will do our best to get there.”