Iran's vice-captain: 'Vietnam team is well organized'
Left-back Ehsan Hajsafi considers Iraq the most formidable opponent, but also highly appreciates the other two opponents in Group D of the 2019 Asian Cup.
At the upcoming Asian Championship, Iran is in the same group with Vietnam, Iraq and Yemen."Iraq is definitely the toughest opponent. However, to become champions, we cannot underestimate any opponent. Yemen and Vietnam are also well-organized teams. When we compete in the Asian Cup, we will have more information about them,"Hajsafi commented on the homepage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
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Hajsafi has made 100 appearances for Iran. He currently plays domestically for Tractor Sazi in the Iranian Premier League. |
Iran is the second most successful team in the history of the Asian Cup, with three titles, tied with Saudi Arabia, and only one less than Japan. However, the team's most recent title was in 1976. In the last three Asian Cups, Iran failed to reach the semi-finals.
"Iran aims to win the 2019 Asian Cup. Our players understand each other very well. I believe that our extensive international experience will help Iran achieve good results and win the championship after many years of waiting,"Hajsafi is optimistic..
The expectations that Iranian fans have placed on Carlos Queiroz and his team at the 2019 Asian Cup are huge. Hajsafi is aware of this. The vice-captain expressed: "The whole team has a strong belief that Iran will win the Asian Cup. Everyone wants to become the king of Asia, and each of them has their own plans for this tournament."
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Iran is the highest ranked Asian team in the FIFA rankings in December 2018. Photo:AFC. |
Hajsafi took the opportunity to call on his home fans to support the team. He said: "At the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia, we lost to Iraq in the penalty shootout in the quarter-finals. But things have changed. I hope the fans will cheer for us like at the 2018 World Cup. I hope the stadiums in the UAE will have many spectators from Iran. We will bring the championship back to Iran with the fans."
Iran will play their opening match at the Asian Cup on January 7, against Yemen.Five days later, they face Vietnam, before facing Iraq on January 16.
Thang Nguyen
