Russia 2018 Asian Qualifiers Final Round: China vs Iran Preview

AFC – SHENYANG, China will attempt to get their Russia 2018 Asian Qualifiers final round campaign off the ground at home on Tuesday after a narrow opening defeat to Korea Republic, but face a formidable foe in Group A leaders Iran who downed Qatar 2-0 in Tehran last week.

*China coach Gao Hongbo hails home support and will look to win for fans.
*“We are here for the three points,” insists Iran coach Carlos Queiroz.
*There are no suspensions or injuries to report.
*It’s been six years since these two nations last met, with China losing 0-2 at home in 2010.
*Iran are unbeaten in their last 13 international fixtures. Their last defeat came in a 3-1 friendly loss to Sweden back in April 2015.

Match Details
Date: 6 September 2016 (Tuesday)
Kickoff time: 7.35pm CST, 12.35pm GMT
Venue: Shenyang Olympic Stadium, Shenyang
Referee: Adham Mohammad Tumah Makhadmeh (Jordan)

Coach Quotes

Gao Hongbo, China
“I have expressed many times that football is a sport about winning, and this is always our target. Every match we are looking for victory. But the process in each game varies. We have to pay close attention to every details of every game and this game especially so. I believe we are now the fastest improving team in Asia. But this process is long, and it takes time. I and my team hope to shorten this period, to speed up the development.

“In the meantime, I have to thank our fans. Their support is crucial to our fighting spirits. I am looking forward to seeing they at the stadium tomorrow, and we will try our best not to let them down.”

Carlos Queiroz, Iran
“As everyone knows, though it will just be the second round of games in the World Cup qualifiers tomorrow, every game matters as a final, so we will give our best. Every point at this stage is important. There will be five rounds done by the end of November, and 15 points will go to different teams. I hope to have a good position by then. It will be very difficult for us tomorrow, but we are fully prepared.

“China is a team with determination. They are very focused during a match, very fast when converting between attacking and defending. Last week, they managed to score twice when 3-0 behind, they even had chances to equalise, even to win the match – it proves their mental strength. However, no matter where we are and whom we play against, Iran always play to win. We are in China for the three points.”

Head to Head Record
03/09/10 China 0 – 2 Iran
01/06/09 China 1 – 0 Iran
09/01/09 Iran 3 – 1 China
19/12/08 Iran 2 – 0 China
15/07/07 China 2 – 2 Iran

Form
China WWWLL
Iran WWWWW

How they fared on MD1
Korea Republic 3 – 2 China
Gao Hongbo’s men looked to be heading for a heavy defeat in Seoul, but two late goals swung the momentum of the tie in their favour as the travelling Chinese fans roared them on to a nail-biting finish to the game. Yu Hai and Hao Junmin were the two goal scorers on the night.

Iran 2 – 0 Qatar
The Iranians left it very late on a drama-filled night against Qatar, but injury time goals from Reza Goochannejhad and Alireza Jahanbaksh ensured the home support went home happy and kept their unbeaten streak alive.