China faced fierce favorites Iran on Sunday and acquitted
themselves well by grinding out a 2-2 draw at the 2007 AFC Asian
Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
China's Shao Jiayi (R) and
Sun Jihai celebrate after Shao scored their first goal against Iran
during their 2007 AFC Asian Cup Group C soccer match in Kuala
Lumpur on Sunday, July 15, 2007.
Shao Jiayi gave China an unexpected early lead six minutes in by
drifting a superb free-kick in, making China's fans leap with joy.
Iran were stunned and China could be happy with putting the
tournament favorites on the back foot.
China pressed on and their efforts paid off in the 33rd minute
when left winger Mao Jianqing juked into the box and slammed the
ball into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
However, this double blow seemed to awake the wrath of the
doughty Iranians who launched a flurry of counter-attacks.
China held on doggedly but in the 45th minute, just before the
break, Iranian midfielder Ferydoon Zandi directed a free kick past
the flailing goalkeeper.
Iran came out stronger from the dressing room and asserted the
control they felt was rightfully theirs. China were pushed back
into their own half and Iran equalized in the 74th minute thanks to
a header from Javad Nekounam.
Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoi said after the game that the result
satisfied him and warned that China would face a tough time against
Uzbekistan.
"We got one point and will face Malaysia in an easy match. China
will not face a showdown for qualification against Uzbekistan, "
Ghalenoi said at a news conference.
Though Galenoni settled for one point, he was critical of Iran's
performance. "In the early part of the first half, we played very
bad and China scored twice," he said.
"Ahead of the next match, we must resolve our uneven
performances," he added.
Iran and China both have four points in hand although China top
Group C on goal difference.
Iran will face Malaysia while China is to play against
Uzbekistan on July 18 in the last round group matches. China will
likely adopt a defensive strategy since a tie against Uzbekistan
would see them go through.
China's goakeeper Li Leilei
misses the ball for an Iran goal scored by Ferydoon Zandi (not in
picture) during their 2007 Asian Cup Group C soccer match in Kuala
Lumpur on Sunday, July 15, 2007.
Iran's Ali Karimi (R) is
challenged by China's Zheng Zhi (L) and Sun Jihai during their 2007
AFC Asian Cup soccer tournament Group C match in Kuala Lumpur July
15, 2007.?
China's players pose for
team photo before the AFC Asian Cup Group C soccer match against
Iran in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, July 15, 2007. The match
ended 2-2.
(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2007)
