Sports / China
Tough matches lying ahead for China
(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-07-12 13:48
JAKARTA - Much tougher challenges lies ahead for China at the Asian Cup
following brilliant performance of Iran and potential rivals South Korea
and Saudi Arabia.
Tournament favorites Iran came from behind to overcome Uzbekistan during
a game of speed and technique, taking a big step towards the knock-out
stage.
Iran now trails China with goal differences and the two top contenders in
Group C are geared for a head-on clash on July 15.
The result will likely decide their chances to quality for the next
stage, and possibly their fate in the tournament.
China coach Zhu expressed caution after his team smashed co-hosts
Malaysia 5-1. "The victory does not prove a lot, and the match against
Iran will be much tougher," he admitted.
Striker Ali Karimi, during a press interview before the tournament, did
not mention China as tournament favorites. "Apart from us, Suadi Arabia,
Japan and South Korea all have opportunities to win the trophy, " he said.
If China manage to reach the knock-out stage, they will possibly meet
South Korea or Saudi Arabia.
South Korea and Saudi Arabia reached 1-1 after the 90-minute due on
Wednesday. The rhythm of the match proved both teams are in good shape.
China have never defeated South Korea in over 20 years and received more
defeats than victories in their meetings with against Saudi Arabia.
But China also demonstrated their strength with good performance of
several European-based players such as Sun Jihai of Manchester City and
Shao Jiayi of Cottbus.
As the tournament goes on, China's chances to go further depend on the
performance of its European-based players and captain Zheng Zhi.
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