Favoured Iran team arrives Wednesday for Asian Cup football meet

Thestar -  Three-time winners Iran are scheduled to fly into Kuala Lumpur Wednesday for their Asian Cup campaign.

The team, under the charge of Amir Ghalenoei, are among the favourites for the title.

They open their Group C campaign against Uzbekistan at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on July 11.

The team will parade a number of European-based players, among them striker Ali Karimi, who played for Bayern Munich last season, Bolton Wanderers' midfielder Andranik Teymourian and Eintracht Frankfurt's Mehdi Mahdavikia.

A notable name missing from their ranks is Ali Daei, who retired from professional football after guiding Saipa to the Iran Pro League title last season.