Third World summit to begin amid security fears

Third World summit to begin amid security fears
AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE

BEIRUT, OCTOBER 11: The battle for the greatest prize in Asian football gets underway on Thursday as the 12th Asian Cup finally kicks off after a chaotic scramble to prepare venues and a wave of last-minute security jitters.

A talented Iranian team and a youthful Japan are among the chief contenders. Thailand and Iraq get the ball rolling on the morrow with their Group A clash in Saida but all eyes will be on Beirut's Sports City later in the day when hosts Lebanon face Iran following the opening ceremony.

The Iranians are banking on the likes of Hertha Berlin striker Ali Daei, SV Hamburg wingback Mehdi Mahdavikia and former Asian Player of the Year Khodadad Azizi as they attempt to recapture a title they last won in 1976.

``We don't fear anyone, and we have come here to win,'' Iran coach Jalal Talebi said on the eve of the tournament.

``I think any coach here would tell you the same thing you have to believe you can win from the start, and we are as confident as anyone,'' Talebi said.Iran are favourites to top Group A, although Talebi is wary of the threat posed by Lebanon in his team's opening match.

Lebanon, one of the minnows of Asian football, have adopted a policy of `globalisation' to bolster home ranks, with a clutch of Brazilian-based players heading the foreign legion.

``It's good for Lebanon that they have discovered these players,'' Talebi said. ``Because of this we don't know how strong they will be, so we can't afford to treat them lightly.''

Iran are seeking to dethrone 1996 champions Saudi Arabia, who kick off Group C against Japan in Saida on Saturday.

The Saudis have had a low-key build-up but are now led by the Czech Milan Macala, one of the most successful coaches in Asia.

Saudi Arabia also possess the best recent Asian Cup record of any team taking part, winning the tournament three times since 1984.

``I don't look at our record, I only concentrate on the present,'' Macala said. ``I know we have the experience and the ability in this team to do well.''

Asian Cup history suggests that a team from the Middle East will be hoisting the competition's silver bowl aloft after the October 29 final.

No team from East Asia has ever won the Asian Cup when the competition has been staged in the Middle East, and only one Japan in 1992 has lifted the trophy at all in the modern era.

Whether Japan can repeat their success of eight years ago depends on how well they adapt to life without AS Roma star Hidetoshi Nakata.

Nakata has been excused Asian Cup duty to concentrate on his club football, leaving French coach Philippe Troussier desperately seeking a suitable midfield playmaking replacement.

Troussier, however, remains bullish that his side has the strength in depth to return victorious from Beirut. ``We will get the Asian Cup back in Japan,'' he said.