Versleijen: tougher than score suggests

AFC – LINZI, Coach Jan Verslijen underlined Australia’s 3-0 victory over Iran was not as straightforward as the score line suggested as they booked their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC U-19 Championship.

Goals from Mohammad Amini, Kerem Bulut and Terry Antonis ensured Australia won their second consecutive Group D game to progress to the knockout round.

However, the result could have turned out much different if Iran skipper Payam Sadeghian had not missed a second-half penalty when they were 2-0 down, while Australia defender Marc Warren was also sent off in stoppage time.

“The score doesn’t reflect how difficult this game was because we had to battle and fight for each ball,” said Verslijen.

“The good thing was our team showed good mentality, they played as a team, when they needed to defend, they did, and when we had the opportunity to attack, we attacked.

“The first goal was a class goal and the second goal, the moment Tommy Oar came in with his cross, almost decided the game. Although when we had the penalty against us if Iran had scored at 2-1 it would’ve been an even more difficult game.

“But of course, I’m happy with the result and that we’ve qualified for the quarter-finals.

“Iran made it very difficult for us and put us under pressure. I saw the game against Korea and they made a good impression but I think the problem for Iran was they didn’t really get many scoring chances.”

However, the Dutchman was disappointed with Warren’s actions after the full-back clashed with Mojtaba Mahboub late in the game and was dismissed.

“I think the reaction of Marc Warren was very unprofessional,” added Verslijen.

“If you’re leading 3-0 with just a few minutes to play, whatever a player is doing against you, just control yourself. It was not a good move by him.”

Iran coach Ali Doustimehr apologised after his side slumped to a second successive defeat, although he cited prior injuries to Kaveh Rezaei and Omid Alsihah as mitigating factors.

“The Iran Football Federation gave us everything we wanted, we had very good training but here in China we played well for just one half.” he said.

“Two of our players couldn’t play well in this match but I’m in charge of this loss and I’m sorry for the Iranian people and the Iranian Federation because they trusted me and I couldn’t do very well.

“We spoke to the players and said we should use short passes but because we didn’t have two good players, we had many problems.

“When Rezaei came into the match, we had many chances but when they weren’t playing, half of our power was gone. But I’m not looking for any excuse, I’m in charge of this loss and I’m sorry.”