Shams aims another goal feast

Shams, who has overseen four of Iran's eight continental victories, winning in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2007, guided Team Melli to a 12-0 opening-day romp over Kuwait to go top of Group D.

The tournament favourites and top seeds put in a fabulous display of team work but Shams insists there is more to come.

“We have some other strategies which will be presenting tomorrow and the game we play will be completely different from today,” said Shams.

Shams' only focus is on another convincing victory.

“We will try to score more goals tomorrow and the day after tomorrow and we will see a good result,” he said.

Iran meet China on day two.

Farinha's team romped to a 9-0 success over Tajikistan late on Sunday in a match switched to Nimibutr Stadium due to a leaking roof at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.

But the delayed kick-off did not affect China as they netted six first-half goals.

However, Farinha believes Iran remain favourites.

“In the AFC Cups, only Japan has beaten them - once in 10 years,” he said.

“But I want us to have a very good game to show a good performance and maybe if we do very well we can draw.

“The most important thing for me is we can have a very close game.”
The key will be a good start, according to Farinha.

“We must press them, but they are so good,” he said.

“We must start as well as possible.”

Shams has tipped Kuwait, who meet Tajikistan on day two, to follow Iran into the last eight, but China would now appear to be favourites.

However, Kuwait coach Naief Al Otaibi, who considers Shams his mentor, believes qualification is possible.

“I have confidence for my team,” Al Otaibi said.

“In this tournament you play better day by day and in our next game I hope to see a good performance from my team.”

However, Al Otaibi admitted Kuwait may need some assistance and hopes Iran can inflict heavy defeats on their Group D rivals.

Tajikistan coach Damir Kamaletdinov knows victory against Kuwait is a must.

“We play only for a win, otherwise we will be eliminated from the competition,” he said.

Kamaletdinov also believes China could upset Iran.

“China will provide a good test for Iran,” he said.