China vs Iran Predictions

As the clock ticked 67 minutes in Al Ain on Sunday afternoon, it looked as though China were on their way home, though two quick-fire goals saw Marcello Lippi’s men extend their stay in the United Arab Emirates. If they’re to stay for even longer, then they’ll need to get the better of an Iranian side that has looked very strong since the start of this tournament.

China come into this match off the back of an encouraging attacking display against Thailand last time out. They created plenty of chances, scored two goals and thoroughly deserved their win. That victory will have given Lippi’s men confidence against what will be their toughest task yet, though their performance prior to beating Thailand suggests that the Chinese could struggle.

Before they came through the first knockout match, China were made to look very, very ordinary by South Korea. On that occasion, the Chinese found it very tough to get forward, while their defensive antics weren’t encouraging. They shipped two goals, 2.62 expected goals, mustered zero shots on target and clocked just 0.09 expected goals for. Beating Thailand is one thing but beating one of the top teams at this tournament is another thing altogether. Since China have already struggled against one of the current joint favourites, it’s easy to see them coming up short against the other.

Iran did what they’ve done since the word go in UAE when they took on Oman in the last-16, and that is of course win with plenty in hand. On that occasion, the Iranians once again looked creative in the final third; they recorded 2.58 expected goals for, made light work of scoring two goals and gave little away at the other end of proceedings, which allowed them to keep their fourth straight clean sheet in the Asian Cup. As things stand, Iran are one of only three teams to not concede at this tournament.

When push has come to shove, the Iranians have looked tough to breach, but what they’ve also done is an excellent job of stopping teams from playing by dictating games with the ball, which is why they’ve given away just 0.42 expected goals on average.

In the betting, ‘Iran -1 Handicap’ is tough to steer clear of. Like the South Koreans, the Iranians ought to have far too much quality in the locker for a China side that simply cannot compete against the better nations at this competition. Much as they did when taking on the likes of Heung-min Son on match-day three, the Chinese are expected to be outclassed when they take on a side that has so far looked flawless at both ends of the pitch. Having won by at least two goals in three of their four games in the United Arab Emirates, Carlos Queiroz’s men are backed to record another convincing win.