Zandi goal was crucial

AFCAC – China skipper Zheng Zhi felt that Ferydoon Zandi’s spectacular goal just before half-time marked a major turning point in his side’s 2-2 draw with Iran in their AFC Asian Cup Group C clash on Sunday.

China appeared to be coasting to victory after goals by Shao Jiayi and Mao Jianqing put them two goals up after 33 minutes.

But Zandi lashed a shot past Li Leilei right at the end of the opening half and Javad Nekounam headed the equaliser in the 73rd minute to ensure the two sides shared the spoils in their rematch of the 2004 Asian Cup semi-finals.

“The goal that they scored just before half time was crucial,” said the Chinese captain.

“It was really unexpected and it affected us psychologically as well as giving them a lot of confidence to take the game to us in the second half.

“We had a good first half but we didn’t play as well after the half-time interval. We conceded a lot of possession and they managed to get the equaliser.

“But it was a good game and at the end, a draw was probably a fair result for both teams.”

Zheng admitted that fatigue got the better of his side in the second half after their high tempo start to the match, which saw them taking the lead through Shao after only six minutes.

“For us, the biggest problem was that we were tired and we couldn’t attack them like we did in the first half,” said the ex-Charlton Athletic player.

“Our formation played deeper in the second half and that meant that we were unable to generate a lot of good attacking moves.”

Despite the disappointment of letting slip a two-goal lead, the China skipper said that the mood in his side’s dressing room remains upbeat.

“The mood of the team is okay. We’re not happy or sad about the result because a 2-2 draw against a good team like Iran is acceptable,” he explained.

“Hopefully in the next game, we can do a better job.”