Iran the Best Team in Asian Cup, Japanese Captain Says

[Azeem98]

With all due respect we all should respect each other views

[NFL]

Watch out for Qatar. They have done really well so far, taking care of Mohammad Bin Saw's SA and then Iraq. Japan, I thought, were the favorites, but are somewhat struggling so far.

lol.. I like that! Mohamad Bin Saw!!

I agree Qatar has impressed.

[NFL]

Iran the Best Team in Asian Cup, Japanese Captain Says

he ain't lying. so far in this tournament, Iran has shown to be the best team. the problem is that the best teams don't always end up winning the cup. we need to get past China first and then we'll see where that take us!

[maly3648]

Iran showed definitely that it had the best defense of the tournament. Now, when it comes to missing opportunities in front of the goal, Japan was better than Iran as they miss less. In other words, everything will depend on the focus of our forwarders. If they do focus and don't miss as much as they usually did in the previous matches, Iran is definitely the favorite.

Azmoun still didn't got back to his normal level. Jahabaksht is not bad but has problem combining with the other players. Taremi is panicking too much in front of the goal and still lacks this "killer instinct" at the highest level. He can be efficient in IPL but world level is different.

[Under Lahaf]

I was never a fan of Japanese cubed shaped watermelons

[Club monaco]

we will take care of this in AET

[Mohawk0628]

Iran showed definitely that it had the best defense of the tournament. Now, when it comes to missing opportunities in front of the goal, Japan was better than Iran as they miss less. In other words, everything will depend on the focus of our forwarders. If they do focus and don't miss as much as they usually did in the previous matches, Iran is definitely the favorite.

Azmoun still didn't got back to his normal level. Jahabaksht is not bad but has problem combining with the other players. Taremi is panicking too much in front of the goal and still lacks this "killer instinct" at the highest level. He can be efficient in IPL but world level is different.

How is scoring less goals while missing less goal scoring opportunities better than scoring more goals while missing more goal scoring opportunities?

First, wrap your head around this phenomenon...

[perspolis#1]

It's their culture. Japanese are usually silent people compared to Koreans but they quietly have superiority complex. Remember they are the most violent and aggressive Asian when it comes to war history.

The Persian Immortals will deal the Japanese Samurai a swift decisive defeat!

[beri486]

Some facts:

Strictly speaking JAP and QAT have been the best on paper so far.
They are the only 2 teams that have won 4 games all in 90 minutes.

IRI and KOR won 3 and drew 1 in 90 minutes but came through
the only groups that have 2 teams in the final 8.

Interestingly both JAP & QAT beat a top 5 AFC team that is KSA.
IRI and KOR have not played any top ranked AFC team.

AFC rankings:
1. IRI
2. AUS
3. JAP
4. KOR
5. KSA
6. SYR
7. CHN
8. UAE
9. LEB
10. OMA
.
.
.
13. QAT

[DR Strangemoosh]

If you go on twitter, some pundits who follow Asian football very closely have changed their favourite from Iran (or Korea) to Qatar:

"Prior to the tournament, I was thinking Iran & South Korea but, I tell you what, looks like Qatar are building a serious side for the World Cup. What we're seeing here is a good 3 years off the peak (those Aspire grads are still <23) but I think they'll give Korea a game in QF."

[beri486]

If you go on twitter, some pundits who follow Asian football very closely have changed their favourite from Iran (or Korea) to Qatar:
"Prior to the tournament, I was thinking Iran & South Korea but, I tell you what, looks like Qatar are building a serious side for the World Cup. What we're seeing here is a good 3 years off the peak (those Aspire grads are still <23) but I think they'll give Korea a game in QF."

The pundits should put their money where their mouth is and win big.