Match Schedule
Tuesday, January-11-2011,
Live Streaming Time : 11:15 AM ET
Venue : Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium
Tuesday, January-11-2011,
Live Streaming Time : 11:15 AM ET
Venue : Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium
German coach Wolfgang Sidka is in charge of Iraq, who have retained most of their players from the 2007 triumph. A lot of the Iraqi players play club football in Qatar, so it could well be an added advantage for the holders. Ali Rehema, who played in every minute of their 2007 triumph, will be their defensive bedrock. Nashat Akram and Hawar Mulla’s midfield wizardry is expected to create a lot of chances for Younis Mahmoud and Abdul-Zahra.
Iran have flattered to deceive in the past and haven’t won the Asian Cup since 1976. Their manager Afshin Ghobti has MLS experience and has also worked under Dick Advocaat and Pim Verbeek. His major task will be to get the Iranians to play as a cohesive unit. Javad Nekounam and Masoud Shojaei are the only two squad players based out of Iran.