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.”
