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China takes on Iran in key WCup qualifier
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DESPITE massive recent investment in the game domestically and abroad, China’s hopes of qualification for the 2018 World Cup could be dented significantly if the team loses at home to Iran.
A 2-3 loss in South Korea in the opening game of the final round of Asian qualification last week means that a defeat in Shenyang today could potentially leave China six points adrift of the top two spots in Group A that offer automatic progress to Russia in 2018.
With more than US$400 million spent by Chinese Super League clubs in 2016 on famous foreign players as well as a state-run youth development program gathering pace, there has been growing optimism for the future of the game in the world’s most populated country in the long-term. In the short-term, however, much depends on a victory against a tough Iran team — even so early in qualifying.
China was trailing South Korea 0-3 with 20 minutes remaining but goals from Yu Hai and Hao Junmin forced the 2002 World Cup semifinalists to hang on for the final whistle.
And coach Gao Hongbo wants his China team to continue where it left off in Seoul.
“If we can play against Iran with the same spirit as the last part of the last game then we can get a good result,” he said. “There are nine games remaining in the group and this is our first home game.
“We need to do well in front of our own fans if we are going to achieve our goal of qualifying for the World Cup.”
The comeback last Thursday against South Korea — a team that China has a poor record against with one win in 31 meetings — has boosted confidence and has fans and the domestic media optimistic of better times ahead.
“The result was a defeat but we saw that this Chinese team never gives up,” Yu Hongchen, Chinese Football Association vice-chairman, said. “Never give up, never admit defeat is a feeling that is part of this team.”
China has only qualified for the World Cup once — in 2002.
Iran arrived in the northeastern city of Shenyang on a long chartered flight from Tehran. The Iranians, coached by former Real Madrid boss Carlos Queiroz, are coming off a 2-0 win over Qatar 2-0 that was only sealed with two injury-time goals.
“We are expecting a tough game against a strong team,” Queiroz said. “To qualify for the World Cup, you have to pick up points away from home and this is what we are hoping to do.”
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