Open game expected as Verslijen targets win

AFC – LINZI, Australia coach Jan Verslijen has underlined three points and a place in the quarter-finals of the AFC U-19 Championship is the target when his side take on Iran at Linzi Stadium on Wednesday.

The Young Socceroos recovered from the shock of conceding an early goal to beat Yemen 4-1 in their opening game in Group D and move level with Korea Republic at the top of the table.

It was an impressive performance from Australia, confirming their pre-tournament status as one of the favourites to lift the title, although Verslijen (pictured) knows they will face a much stiffer test in the form of the Iranians.

Ali Doustimehr’s side, however, lost 2-0 to Korea Republic and the Dutchman is keen for his men to push themselves to the brink of a place in the last eight at the expense of their opponents with Korea expected to see off Yemen in the group’s other game.

“I saw some patches of that game and I thought both teams played well,” he said.

“Both teams were well organised but the situation now is that we have three points, so that means we have to win the game and that probably will make it an open game.”

Verslijen also hinted he may also tinker with his line-up with Utrecht midfielder Tommy Oar now available.

“There can be a change because Tommy Oar has just arrived in our hotel,” he added.

Although Iran were beaten by the Koreans, the game was much closer than the score line suggests with only more clinical finishing from the East Asians the real difference.

Doustimehr, therefore, is looking for a positive reaction from his team when they face Australia to keep alive their hopes of a place in the quarter-finals from arguably the competition’s toughest group.

“We should try to change the attitude of the players and we should help them,” he said.

“We lost (against Korea) but football is a game of moments and a good coach is a coach that can help his players during the hard times, so I think I can help my players be better in the other games.

“Australia is a very strong team but the Iranian people are people of a hard base, we want to prove it against Australia and give the Iranian people a very nice smile.”