Queiroz praises Lippi ahead of Iran-China clash in World Cup qualifiers

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz spoke highlyof his China counterpart Marcello Lippi ahead of the crucial match between Iran and China here on Tuesday in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Italian Lippi's presence as China head coach is sure to elevate the games in Asia, local media reported on Monday.

Lippi is a competent and knowledgeable coach and he will make China a stronger team, Queiroz was quoted as saying.

Since being appointed in October last year, Lippi has reignited China's bid to reach Russia 2018 World Cup thanks to a 0-0 draw with Qatar and, most recently, a vital 1-0 home win over South Korea.

If Lippi, the World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, and China dream of advancing to the 2018 World Cup finals, they have to pass what is currently the toughest test in Asian soccer, a game against Iran in Tehran's Azadi Stadium.

Queiroz expressed his satisfaction over the preparation of the China match, but said that "China is well-organized" team with Lippi and the Iranians should be very careful.

On Sunday, Iran's Football Federation announced that the Iran-China match would be free for spectators.

The Azadi Stadium has an official capacity of 78,116 people.

The Singaporean referee Muhammad Taqi Aljaafari Bin Jahari will officiate the Iran-China match.

Now, Iran lead the six-team Group A with 14 points from six games. China are fifth with five points.

After the 10-game home-and-away round robin, the top two will qualify for the World Cup finals directly and the third finisher will enter playoffs with its counterpart in Group B.

 source: Xinhua