FIFA: Iran look to edge closer, duo aim to bounce back

FIFA – ZURICH, Tuesday’s matchday 7 in Asia could see Carlos Queiroz’s take another major step towards Russia 2018 by strengthening their position at the Group A summit. Group B joints leaders Saudi Arabia and Japan will, meanwhile, hope to continue their winning form against Iraq and Thailand respectively as they aim to consolidate their places in the top two.

Among the chasing pack of Group A, second-placed Korea Republic and third-placed Uzbekistan must put defeats from the last outings behind them as they aim to bounce back at home against Syria and Qatar. Having stunned Korea Republic 1-0, Marcello Lippi’s China PR travel to Iran aiming to spring another surprise. Australia, meanwhile, are desperate to end their four-match winless streak with a home victory against United Arab Emirates. FIFA.com previews all the action across the continent.

The match
Iran-China PR, Azadi Stadium, Tehran
With qualification firmly in their sights, Iran will look to their extra player – Iran’s football federation has made Tuesday’s game against China free for spectators at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium – as they aim to clinch maximum points at home. Steered by Queiroz, the Iranians have enjoyed arguably the smoothest qualifying campaign over the past two decades. They may be one of the two undefeated sides of this campaign – the other being Australia – but they are the only team to maintain a perfect defensive record with zero goals conceded.

The visitors are, for their part, similarly motivated to gain their second successive victory under Lippi. If their last win against Korea Republic serves to keep their hopes alive, then three points against Iran will truly rekindle their chances – at least for third place. Iran enter the re-encounter with a clear mental edge having won 11 and drawn six from the past 21 meetings. Having recorded their first victory against the South Koreans, though, the Chinese are hoping to continue their newly-rediscovered form by pulling off another major upset in Tehran.

The other attractions
Having been dealt an unexpected defeat at the hands of China, a result which saw the gap to Iran extended to four points, Uli Stielike’s Korea Republic are all too aware that they must win against Syria at home if they are to maintain their place among the top two. Leading Uzbekistan by just a point, Taeguk Warriors could slip to third or even fourth if they drop points at home. Desperate as they are, though, the South Koreans will be wary of the resilient Syria, who currently trail by just two points and can leapfrog their opponents with another surprise triumph.

What they said
“(Marcello) Lippi has been everywhere in football and he will make China a stronger and more intelligent team. We know that China will be well-organised and will be compact in defence. We have to be patient to try and break their rearguard but also be careful of their counter-attacking,” Iran coach Carlos Qureiroz