Iran’s Persepolis plot Japan ambush in Asian final
TOKYO: Iran’s Persepolis insist the tag of underdogs will mean nothing when they travel to Japan’s Kashima Antlers in the first leg of the Asian Champions League final this weekend.
The Antlers start as favourites on Saturday as they look to keep the continental title in Japanese hands after Urawa Reds won it for a second time last year.
But Persepolis believe they can spring an upset against a team who famously reached the 2016 Club World Cup final, where Real Madrid needed extra time and a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick to sink them.
“Our players are physically and mentally prepared for the challenge,” Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic told the Tehran Times.
“We have the ambition and I trust my players,” added the Croatian, whose side are hoping to become Iran’s first Asian champions since PAS Tehran in 1993.
“I am waiting for the best moment of my life.”
Persepolis, the record 11-time Iranian champions, squeezed into their first Asian final after beating Qatar’s Al Sadd 2-1 on aggregate last month.
Kashima, who are comfortably Japan’s most successful club domestically with eight J-League titles, are targeting Asian glory as they struggle to keep pace with table-topping Kawasaki Frontale.
The Antlers completed an astonishing comeback to edge Suwon Bluewings 6-5 on aggregate to reach their first Asian Champions League final and will again bank on mercurial Brazilian Serginho to provide the spark against the visitors.
Japan’s national coach Hajime Moriyasu believes Kashima need to give themselves a decent platform in order to beat Persepolis, who will pose a real threat in the return leg at the cavernous Azadi stadium in Tehran.
“Persepolis are a very strong side and have every chance of winning the title,” he said, according to the Asian Football Confederation website. “Obviously I’d love Kashima to win but a good home win will be vital. If they can get the right result I’m confident they can lift the trophy, even though that away leg will be very difficult.”
Persepolis, who won the 199091 Asian Cup Winners Cup, will have to get past veteran Kashima goalkeeper Kwoun Sun-tae first.
The South Korean is looking to become the first player to win the Asian Champions League three times after lifting the trophy with Jeonbuk Motors in 2006 and 2016.
His opposite number, Persepolis keeper Alireza Beiranvand, is an equally tough nut to crack and he proved it in the second leg of the semi-final, producing a wondersave to keep out a late header from Spain and Barcelona legend Xavi and safeguard victory.
“It would be a big honour for me and my country if I can win the title,” said the Iran international.
“It’s one of my wishes in life and I would enjoy it for years to come.”