Iran, China likely to take lead in Group C

Xinhua - Traditional Asian powerhouses Iran and China are more likely to progress into the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2007 from Group C, which includes central Asian force Uzbekistan and co-hosts Malaysia.

Iran have not touched the Asian Cup trophy for over 30 years as they last claimed the title in 1976. Since then they even had not managed to compete at a single final match. But with a strong squad with some top players of Asia, the Persians have enough reason to contend for success this time.

No one can underestimate Iran's power. They boast a number of Europe-based players like Bolton Wanderers midfielder Andranik Teymourian, Eintracht Frankfurt's Mehdi Mahdavikia, Livorno defender Rahmen Razaei, Hannover striker Vahid Hashemian and Bayern Munich's Ali Karimi. Although Iran had a disappointing World Cup tour in Germany 2006, they can ease through the Asian Cup group stage without big problem.

China have met some trouble recently. Head coach Zhu Guanghu has been under heavy fire from the media and fans, as the team showed bad form in a series of warm-up matches, and seemed to backslide obviously under his guidance. Zhu has a formidable task to lead the runners-up of 2004 at least to the semi-finals at this year's championship.

China settled for the silver after losing to Japan 1-3 in the finals at home soil three years ago, which leveled their best result at the Asian Cup in 1984.

They also have some talented players like Manchester United forward Dong Fangzhuo, Cottbus playmaker Shao Jiayi, all-round midfielder Zheng Zhi, who was loaned to Premier League side Chalton Athletic last season, PSV Einhoven's Sun Xiang and Manchester City's Sun Jihai. They have the strength to compete with Iran, and beat Uzbekistan and Malaysia if nothing goes wrong in the tactics and mentality. Their first match against Malaysia is a must-win game sparing no room for mistakes.

Uzbekistan rise as a noticeable power of Asia in recent years with some fine performance at major Asian events. They enjoy an advantage to have some players serving at the Russian and Ukrainian Premier League.

Major striker Alexander Geynrikh proved his ability in the Doha Asian Games last year with several goals of individual show. The team also impressed people greatly at Asian Cup 2004, when they fought as a well-organized unity with several outstanding individuals.

But due to their lack of experience and the sweltering Southeast Asian weather, which they may not get used to, Uzbekistan's chance of qualifying for the next stage are not big. Co-hosts Malaysia seem to be the minnows of the group. Though they will certainly receive the support from crazy fans at home soil, to break through from the "big three" is undoubtedly a "mission impossible".