TEHRAN – Former Persepolis coach Mustafa Denizli believes that Iran national football team are capable of defeating China.

On Thursday, Team Melli will face China in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the UAE.

“Defeating Oman in the Round of 16 was a normal thing for Iran. It was predictable,” Denizli said in an interview with Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

“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. It does not seem to be too far-fetched to win the title for the Iranian football team as Team Melli 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.

“Now, I am concentrating on my team’s performance in Turkish Süper Lig and I cannot follow the Asian Cup completely. However, 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 Kasımpasa coach stated.   

“I have kept my relationship with my Iranian friends and I have good memories of working there,” Denizli concluded.