Excitement building for Ghotbi

AFC – DOHA, Coach Afshin Ghotbi is already relishing “one of the most exciting matches in Asia” after Iran swept aside UAE 3-0 in their final Group D match on Wednesday to set themselves up for a tantalising AFC AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™quarter-final showdown with Korea Republic.

A game that had been short of chances at Qatar Sports Club Stadium exploded to life in the 70th minute when Arash Afshin put Iran ahead after Mohammad Gholami had twice hit the woodwork.

Afshin’s joy was short lived as he was shown his second yellow card two minutes later following a strong challenge on Majed Nasser, before UAE too were reduced to 10 men when Khalid Sebil was sent off.

But Iran then cemented their third win in as many games with an 83rd minute Mohammad Nori strike before Walid Abbas put the ball in the back of his own net in stoppage time.

Iran finish top of their group and face Korea Republic on Saturday in a battle for a place in the semi-finals, a side all too familiar to Ghotbi.

The 46-year-old spent five years in total with the Taeguk Warriors, first as a match analyst and then as assistant coach and though he admitted to having fond memories of his time with them, he is focused solely on maintaining Iran’s charge for the title.

“I am expecting a wonderful match and I hope the world too are ready for one of the most exciting matches in Asian football,” said Ghotbi.

“A lot of times coaches are facing a team from their country of birth while we are seeing many, many times where a coach like myself comes up against a team where they worked with.

“But my feeling is that Iran must win. It is my job to win as head coach of Iran.”

Ghotbi opted to rest many of the players against the UAE that had already cemented Iran’s passage to the next round with wins over Iraq and DPR Korea.

The quality at his disposal remained clear to see as Iran ultimately proved too much for their opponents and Ghotbi was standing by his pre-tournament prediction that Team Melli will be holding the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 trophy come January 29.

“I am very happy with the performance of my players,” he added.

“There were many who played for who it was their first international match and it was great to give them their chance.

“But no matter who we play against or whatever selection we use, the Iranian players have enough quality individually to reach our goals.

“I believe we can hold this trophy over our heads on January 29, regardless whether it is Korea, Japan, Uzbekistan or Iraq that we have to face.

“I have had this belief since day one.”