Iranians feel worst is over after scrappy start

PETALING JAYA - Lucky Iran believe they are headed for better days in the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) Youth Championship after having survived a mighty Chinese onslaught to escape with a goalless draw in their opening Group B match at the KL Football Stadium in Cheras on Saturday. 

Coach Hamid Ali Dousti said that he was optimistic that his boys would play better football against Qatar at the same venue today (kick off, 6pm). 

?The more we play, the better we will get,? said Hamid, who was impressed with his players never-say-die attitude against the Chinese. 

Iran found their rhythm after the scrappy start and had the Chinese in trouble in the second half. In fact, they could have Iran upstaged their more fancied opponents. Striker Mehrdad Oladi had the best chance to score for Iran but his attempt in the 55th minute hit the woodwork. 

Hamid added that the Qatari players were physically stronger at the back and they would have to work harder to get the goals. 

Qatar now lead the standings following their 1-0 win over Indonesia. 

China have in their ranks national players Zhou Hai Bin, Zhao Xuri and teenage sensation Dong Fang Zhou, the Manchester United signing who is currently on loan to Belgium's Royal Antwerp FC. 

They will play against Indonesia tonight (kick off 8.45pm) and coach Yin Tie Sheng said that he would review the team's performance against Iran before naming the line-up for the match. 

Indonesia need a win to stay alive in the competition but English coach Peter Withe's boys will be hard pressed to come off with a favourable result against the more polished Chinese side, who beat Brazil 1-0 to finish third in an invitational tournament in Toulon, France.