Why near-scare against Oman should serve as warning for Iran prior to China clash?

Team Melli will be taking on confident China in the quarterfinals of the AFC Asian Cup. 

Iran just barely evaded a potential nightmare against Oman on Sunday. Despite sealing a comfortable-looking 2-0 win, it wasn’t all sunny for Team Melli. As a matter of fact, a disastrous start threatened to turn the game on its head.

In the second minute, lazy defending resulted in Majid Hosseini bringing down Muhsen Al Ghassani in the box. It felt as if Iran hadn’t woken up from the boring slumber against Iraq. However, some clever work from Alireza Beiranvand aided by the intuition of Sardar Azmoun, extinguished the fire and enabled Team Melli to properly get the game underway.

Watch: IR Iran 2-0 Oman highlights

Oman’s confidence was shot and Carlos Queiroz's resurgent men leapt on that. A defensive error along with a questionable penalty helped them race into a 2-0 lead before half-time, effectively killing off the game. Al-Ahmar had two shots on target, barely testing Iran’s resolve after shaking them up initially. Team Melli snatched away the momentum following the penalty and influenced by captain Ashkan Dejagah, the game played out like a stroll in the park for them afterwards.

However, things won’t be as easy against Marcelo Lippi’s China. Team Dragon displayed an admirable undying spirit against Thailand, coming back from behind to book a place in the quarterfinals. Sivarak Tedsungnoen’s heroics kept the War Elephants in the game for a long time, until Lippi’s masterful substitutions did the trick. He brought on experienced striker Xhao Zhi to add more physicality in attack, which worked wonders.

China have proved to be one of the dark-horses in the tournament so far

Zhi’s powerful header might’ve been saved, but he scored from the rebound to get things level. Thailand were sent into panic mode. China’s experience prevailed, as they earned a penalty a few minutes later, which was scored by Gao Lin to seal the deal. Team Dragon’s tenacity means they’d give their 100% till the final whistle, something Oman couldn’t do against Iran.

Queiroz needs to be wary of his opponents’ threat on Friday. The physical element is a big factor, as China boast some towering, powerful players in their team. While Iran have done well to have not conceded a single goal so far, they’ll face their biggest test yet against Team Dragon. Coming on the back of the thrilling victory in the Round of 16, Lippi’s men go into the game oozing with momentum.

With Wu Lei and Yu Dabao in prolific form upfront and well-synched with the technically-gifted midfielders, Iran need to put on their best defensive showing to contain China. It’ll also be extremely difficult for them to dominate possession, as China deploy quite an aggressive style in the middle of the park as well. Queiroz will be without midfielder Vahid Amiri, which could be a big blow considering his influence in creating chances.  

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However, with the heat turning up, it’s about time World Cup star Karim Ansarifard is given his moment in the spotlight. Alireza Jahanbaksh's menacing performance against Oman proved how Ansarifard can only pump up their attack. In what is assured to be a battle of wits, Queiroz needs to put out his strongest possible XI, while also maintaining balance in the team.

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That being said, if complacency sets in for Iran at any point, they’ll be made to pay by Team Dragon. China’s undying attitude levelled with Lippi’s astute tactical prowess will frustrate them. If Team Melli give in to frustration, one mistake is all that's needed for them to get knocked out.

If nothing else, the second-minute penalty should serve as a warning for tournament favourites Iran. After a stroll in the group stages, the real test has begun. Alireza Beiranvand’s heroics saved them then, but if a lapse in concentration sets in, China wouldn’t hesitate to latch on at their peril and cause an upset in Abu Dhabi.