Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Goa: Coach Abbas Chamanian insists Islamic Republic of Iran have yet to achieve their target at the AFC U-16 Championship India 2016 ahead of his side’s hotly anticipated semi-final clash with defending champions DPR Korea at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday.
The Iranians advanced to the last four for the first time since 2012 following a comprehensive 5-0 quarter-final victory over Vietnam and in doing so also secured their passage to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India next year as one of the tournament’s four best-placed teams.
But Chamanian’s improving side now have their eyes firmly fixed on Sunday’s final as Iran aim to add to the continental crown they won for the first and only time in 2008.
“Our task isn’t finished because we haven’t reached our final goal; the results so far were just steps towards that,” said Chamanian, who will be unable to call on suspended midfielder Vahid Namdari.
“My players all want to get to the final and I expect them to play without pressure and stress and to be better than they were against Vietnam.”
Iran opened their campaign by defeating Saudi Arabia 3-2 before following up a 1-1 draw against United Arab Emirates with a 3-0 win over hosts India to top Group A.
Chamanian’s team then turned on the style against Vietnam as Allahyar Sayyad, Mohammad Ghaderi, Alireza Asadabadi and Amir Khodamoradi all got on the scoresheet.
“We know DPR Korea are a hardworking and strong team with a big history in Asian tournaments,” added Chamanian. “They will play with energy and motivation.
“But we are only thinking of getting to the final and our players will have to play well to do that. All of Iran expects us to be there so we have no other choice except to win.”
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