Nekounam: Japan and S. Korea are favorites
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Loading...MNA – DOHA, Iran captain Javad Nekounam said that Japan and South Korea are the most favorite teams to win the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.
The Asian Cup will be held in Doha from January 7 to 29 with participation of 16 teams.
Iran has been grouped along with defending champions Iraq, North Korea and the UAE in Group D.
“Japan and South Korea as two Asian powerhouses are favorite to win the title but Australia and Iran have chance to claim the championship as well,” Nekounam said.
“We have been drawn in a difficult group and just think about advancing to the knockout stage. Iraq will take part in the event as the defending champion. North Korea has always been a respectable team and the UAE has a new investment in football and can be a dangerous team,” he added.
In answer to the question that he will stay in Osasuna or will join another team in the winter transfer window, Nekounam said, “As I’ve always said I like to continue my career in Osasuna but nobody knows what is going to happen next,” he concluded.
Iran, who is gearing up for the Asian Cup, will play a friendly against Angola on Sunday.
