Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive

AFC - HAVING qualified for the Asian Cup Finals to be held next year, Iran coach Branko Ivankovic has made no qualms to what he wants to achieve in China in 2004.

Iran still have two more Group D qualifying games to play and having won three consecutive Asian Cup titles between 1968 to 1976, Iran are now gunning for their fourth ever championship, their first in 28 years should they triumph in China.

"I hope that Iran can win the Asian cup after 28 years again and show the other teams what we are made of," said Ivankovic. "For those who doubt the Iranian team, I suggest them look at the Busan games.

"My goals are to first win the Asian Cup with Iran and also qualify for Germany 2006."

With qualification already secured, the Croatian coach has also promised to use the remaining games to test out his young blood.

"If we get the results we want against Lebanon in Beirut, I will only field my younger players in our next game in Tehran," added Ivankovic on www.persianfootball.com. "I want them all to gather international experience and also know them better for our important matches in China.

"I want the best players to play for the national team so I will keep contacting other players. Players such as Vahid Hashemian who now stars in Bundesliga's Buchum and Mehdi Pashazadeh who plays in Austria."

Top