TEHRAN, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Former Iran's Persepolis coach Mustafa Denizli believes that Iran national soccer team are capable of defeating China in AFC Asian Cup, Tehran Times daily reported on Wednesday.
Iran will face China in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, on Thursday.
"Defeating Oman in the Round of 16 was a normal thing for Iran. It was predictable," Denizli was quoted as saying.
"I believe that Iran have an easy task ahead to beat China. I hope Iran will emerge victorious in the semi-finals and then will beat their opponents in the final match," he said.
"It does not seem to be too far-fetched to win the title for the Iranian soccer team as they take advantage of so many valuable players," the ex-Persepolis coach added.
Still unbeaten, and still yet to concede a goal, Iran are building nicely as they look to win their first AFC Asian Cup title since 1976.
"I sometimes follow Iran's matches in the UAE and I wish them all the best as a person who is interested in them," the Kasimpasa coach stated.
"I have kept my relationship with my Iranian friends and I have good memories of working there," Denizli concluded.
