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Asian Champions League: Pas look to make history [Wed Sep 21st, 2005]
The tie between Iran and the UAE is finely balanced, but the Persians are determined to make the step to the last four.
Pas (Iran) (1) - (1) Al Ain (UAE)
The team from Teheran have a chance to become the first Iranian team to reach the semi-finals of the continental competition, as they hold a slight advantage over the 2003 champions after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Pas coach Mustafa Denizli told FIFA.com that he has no intention of sitting back in the Iranian capital.
“The away draw is not a big advantage although we will try to make it as big as possible. It’s dangerous though to just rest on a scoring draw and we’ll have to run and fight 50 per cent harder than usual if we’re to qualify. But I’m 100 per cent confident that we’ll do just that.â€
They’ll have to do it without goalkeeper Hassan Roudbarian, who was sent off for handling the ball outside the area in the first leg.
Al Ain have already seen off the Asian Champions League challenge of one Persian side, Sepahan, who were eliminated in the first round, and know what is necessary.
“We need to score to go through,†the Czech told reporters.
“If they choose to, our opponents have the luxury of being able to sit back and defend their lead while counter-attacking. It’s clear we need to attack to score goals, but a football match is not just about attacking or defending.â€
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