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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.” |
