Chinese midfielder Dai Weijun confident of reaching Asian Cup last 16
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In the third round of Group A on Jan 22, China, with two points, will take on Qatar. China need a win to guarantee a last-16 berth.
PHOTO: AFP
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DOHA – China midfielder Dai Weijun said on Jan 19 that the team still have the confidence to qualify for the Asian Cup knockout stages, after being held to two goal-less draws.
In the third round of Group A games on Jan 22, China will take on hosts Qatar, who have already won the group with six points.
China need a win to guarantee a last-16 berth.
“We are now in a very confident mindset to prepare for the next match. We hope to enter the knockout stage,” said Dai.
However, he admitted that the team were a little bit nervous in the beginning.
He said: “We really wanted to win in the tournament, but it was not that easy... we are on the right track if we can stick to our football style and tactics.”
England-born defender Tyias Browning added: “It is the most exciting game of the group, I am looking forward to the challenge.
“I enjoy the pressure. It is the thrill of the game. We cannot be afraid of it.”
Qatar midfielder Ahmed Fathy, meanwhile, insisted his side will not ease off despite already having won the group.
He said: “If you relax after qualifying, it’s going to affect your performance, (it’s important) to continue the winning mentality in the next phase...
“Our goal is to enter the knockout stage with nine points, with the best level possible.”
On Jan 20, Malaysia succumbed to late pressure by Bahrain to lose 1-0 and fall out of the running in Group E.
Bahrain took all three points from a nervy encounter at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium after Ali Madan scored the 95th-minute winner.
They are third in the group on three points, one behind Jordan and South Korea, who drew 2-2 in the earlier match.
Madan used the outside of his boot to shoot from the edge of the box, with his strike going through a crowd of defenders and beating goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi.
That sparked wild celebrations in the dugout while some of his teammates collapsed on the pitch in relief.
Bahrain’s Ali Madan scoring the 95th-minute winner.
PHOTO: REUTERS
He said: “It’s spectacular to score, especially at such a crucial time... I’m used to taking such shots in a game, so when I saw the ball, I had a choice to pass or take a shot and I had to make a decision in that split second and was fortunate to score.”
Malaysia coach Kim Pan-gon said: “I have too much expectation, I gave too much dream to my players and to the public, that’s my problem.”
In the early Group F game on Jan 21, Thailand drew 0-0 with Oman to maintain top spot on four points from two games. Oman are third on one point, also after two matches. Saudi Arabia (three points from one game) were playing Kyrgyzstan in a late match. XINHUA, REUTERS
