Iran have been dominant in the continent for many years winning 10 title championships out of their 12 final matches.

In the other two matches, in 2006 and 2012, Iran ranked third.

Inthis year's tournament, the World No 7 won all the three matches in thegroup round and scored 25 goals, suffering only two goal losses.

Accordingto Iran's coach Jesus Candelas, "It was difficult for the hosts to beathis team because of a wide gap of level between the two teams. However,the chances of winning of course depended on Vietnam."

Candelaswas quoted as saying to the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that he watchedVietnam playing against Iraq and Kuwait and was impressed with theplayers' smooth group coordination and speed as well as agility.

Candelasbelieved that the teams that could prevent Iran from winning the cupthis year would be defending champions Japan, first runners-up Thailandand Vietnam who always had wonderful fan following.

He noted that Vietnam has played better match after match. Iran could not lose their attention and will not be subjective.

On the host side, coach Bruno Formoso confirmed Iran's power.

Hetold Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper that Iran had skillfulplayers, who had sharpened their tactics and knew how to confuse theirrivals before making them lose the match.

He added that theVietnamese team, World No 44, had carefully watched Iran through threematches at the group round and definitely had plans to face thatpowerhouse.

He noted that the Vietnamese must completely controltwo players Hossein Tayebi and Asghar Hassanzadeh who had scored half ofIran's total goals. They also need to limit their personal mistakesthat they made in the previous matches.

Formoso said that hisplayers were confident after winning a berth in the last eight rounds,so despite mighty Iran there will be nothing impossible in football.

Hesaid he believed that there will be a large fan following for the hostswho will play without any pressure. Vietnam beat Kuwait (2-1), so theymay completely overcome Iran. It will be a 50-50 chance for the twoteams.

ܫ Captain Nguyen Bao Quan said: "We are in thequarter-finals. We are playing at home with many fans encouraging everymatch. Iran are strong, so it is normal if we lose to them. We feel freeto play this match. We will try our best to obtain good results."-VNA