Iran, China Fail to Dominate Asiad Men's and Women's Soccer

Home>>Sports

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, October 14, 2002

Iran, China Fail to Dominate Asiad Men's and Women's Soccer

Defending champions Iran claimed their fourth title in the Asian Games soccer tournament, however, it's not convincing enough to prove their domination in Asian soccer.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Defending champions Iran claimed their fourth title in the Asian Games soccer tournament, however, it's not convincing enough to prove their domination in Asian soccer.

Iran edged Japan 2-1 to defend their gold here on Sunday in a playoff between adults and youths, in which no comparison could be made reasonably straightforward.

Iran employed a national squad, led by their legend 33-year-oldAli Daei, while Japan fielded in their under-21 players without any big name from the World Cup finals.

Peter Velappan, general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), said that the Japanese U-21 squad did impress him a lot in the Asian Games.

"After the World Cup finals, we can see the Japanese become more confident, and their soccer more stronger," said Velappan.

Japan made the history by advancing to the second round of the World Cup finals where they tied Belgium 2-2 and defeated Russia 1-0 to top Group H.

Velappan pointed out that it was not unexpected that the Japanese U-21 side could reach the Asiad final as they came from a mature professional soccer league.

"The Japanese soccer has been booming fast in the past years toa new stage thanks to their advanced professional soccer league," said Velappan.

To justify Velappan's point, the Japanese U-21 squad which was originally circled out as a team with no plan, no stars and no hopes, made the history in the Asiad by winning their first-ever silver medal here in Busan.

Japanese coach Masakuni Yamamoto said he has been satisfied with their performance despite the 2-1 final loss.

"We brought in a very young team here and we even did not expect them to make the final. They have made the history," said Masakuni.

"We sent our U-21 squad here to gain more international experience, which would help them to compete in the Athens Olympics. I think we have achieved the goals so far," he added.

Iranian coach Brancho Ivan Choviech also gave his thumb to the opponents, saying that "the Japanese are very impressive and talented. They are young but well-organized and disciplined, and have a great future in front of them."

Japan were not the only challenge to the defending champions as Iran even failed to convince themselves in their 5-3 semifinal victory over hosts South Korea in a penalty shoot-out on Thursday.

In a 120-minute marathon, both Iran and South Korea fought to a goalless tie for the penalty shoot-out.

Fielding in six World Cup players, South Korea controlled the field most of the time and came once close to score in the first half, but only to hit the post.

Choviech admitted that they adopted defensive tactics as they confronted the strong Korean side.

"Facing the hosts, actually we have to adopt the defensive tactics so that we could have the final berth. South Korea are very strong, and as you know, they also have great home advantages," said Choviech.

South Korea stunned the world to reach the World Cup semifinals after kicking out soccer giants Portugal, Italy and Spain just three months ago.

In the women's field, defending champions China settled for a worse fate as they lost their aura to DPR Korea who wrapped up the gold in the round-robin soccer tournament on Friday.

The Chinese women, runners-up in the 1999 World Cup, had dominated the Asian women's soccer in the past decade with three straight Asiad titles since the sport was introduced to the Asian Games in 1990.

The Chinese, however, drew two of their matches against both Japan and DPR Korea and failed to defend their fourth straight title, which was eventually taken by DPR Korea with four wins against one draw.

What's more, the tournament did witness the stronger DPR Koreans as Chinese coach Ma Liangxing admitted later that DPR Korea are the top team in Asia.

"It's hard for us to admit that DPR Korea have replaced China for the top position in Asia, but it's the fact," said Ma. "DPR Koreans are virtually stronger than us, in every way. It's not easy to bridge the distance."

China were even deemed lucky enough to hold the scoreless draw against DPR Korea as the Koreans missed several scoring chances in last Friday's match, including one hitting the bar.

"We are lucky to draw the match. It might be a loss but we held it scoreless as our players fought hard," added Ma, whose team had lost all last four games against DPR Korea in the past year.

Velappan also warned the Chinese women to be alert enough for DPR Korea, saying that "DPR Koreans are very impressive. They are young, but very talented, tricky and athletic. They will be a force in the women's World Cup next year in China."

DPR Korean coach Ri Song-gun said in a straight way that they deserved the gold as they were stronger than defending champions China, and they should win the gold by beating China.

"I am very happy to win the title. It's the first gold for us. Our players deserved it," said Ri.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Iran Edges Japan 2-1 to Retain Asiad Soccer Title

China Beats Vietnam 4-1 in Asiad Women's Soccer

China's Automaker Invests in GM-Daewoo Joint Venture ( 2 Messages)

At least 182 Dead in Indonesian Island Blast: President ( 2 Messages)

Multinationals Fight for Chinese Markets ( 80 Messages)

China Opposes US Congress Committee's Interference in China's Internal Affairs ( 33 Messages)

Fewer Slogans, More Practical, Reflect Social Changes in China ( 31 Messages)