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China bracing for tough Iraq attack
By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-07-30 06:14
China is determined to roll past Iraq tonight and set up an Asian Cup
semi-final showdown against the winner of the match between Iran and South
Korea.
A top position in Group A means the host squad will continue to play in the
friendly confines of Workers' Stadium in Beijing, ensuring a noisy reception for
the Iraqis.
But neither head coach Arie Haan nor any of his players can afford to take
tonight's game lightly, as a premature knockout on home soil would seriously
harpoon chances for a successful Asian Cup.
Though China did not reveal a convincingly strong performance in the group
phase, especially against teams from West Asia, one thing that will comfort them
is that Iraq, spurred by the support of Chengdu fans in the group matches, are
unlikely to receive the same adoration that resulted from wins over Turkmenistan
and three-time champion Saudi Arabia.
"It is understood that we will support Iraq in the group matches. They are
playing so well despite their turbulent domestic situations," said Zhou Yong, a
24-year-old Chengdu fan.
"But I have to turn my support to my own nation tonight. China has no other
way but to beat them. We are the host team and at least we should advance to the
semi-final."
China has never won the Asian Cup but has routinely made it as far as the
semi-finals.
In the past five tournaments China has advanced to the semi-final four times,
including a second-place finish in 1984.
Under pressure from all sides, head coach Haan is cautious heading into
tonight's encounter.
"Iraq are a very strong team. Any team that can beat Saudi Arabia shows they
have a reliable attacking strength," said the Dutch coach after watching Iraq
steal their 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia.
Haan is trying to shift the pressure to Iraq and has kept a low profile about
his own team.
His preparations were thrown into disarray when striker Li Yi went down with
an injury that will likely keep him on the sidelines.
Haan has been forced to make additional changes in his lineup as he was
already without first choice veteran striker Hao Haidong, who is also struggling
with an injury.
The main strike task may fall on the shoulders of Li Jinyu and youngster
Zhang Shuo, who has not played a game since the tournament started.
If not, it is likely Haan will also choose Manchester City's Sun Jihai, who
has been relegated to the bench during all three of China's group phase matches,
as a midfielder or make centre-back Zheng Zhi play as a forward to boost China's
attack.
But Hann remains confident and upbeat.
"We will be prepared for the match. Most of all, if China
plays well we move on. We are happy to play in Beijing in the next match. The
most important thing is that China is playing well."
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