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Coach Afshin Ghotbi reiterated his belief that Iran will be crowned AFC Asian Cup champions after watching his side maintain their 100 per cent record at the tournament with a 3-0 defeat of the United Arab Emirates today.
Late strikes from Arash Afshin and Mohammad Nori and a Walid Abbas own goal at Qatar Sports Club Stadium ensured that the Iranians finish top of Group D with three wins from three and certainly look strong contenders for a fourth continental title. But they must overcome a difficult quarter-final clash with Korea Republic on Saturday, with the East Asians having also been impressive so far in Doha.
Ghotbi is well acquainted with the Taeguk Warriors, having spent five years working with them - first as a match analyst and then as assistant coach - but firmly believes his Iran side have the quality to beat the East Asians and go all the way to the final.