Sami Al Jaber: Iran Best Team in 1996 AFC Asian Cup
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Saudi goalscoring legend Sami Al Jaber admits Iran national football team was the best team in the 1996 AFC Asian Cup in the UAE.
Team Melli, headed by Mohammad Mayeli Kohan, lost to Saudi Arabia in the tournament’s semifinals in penalty shootout.
“Iran had Ali Daei, Khodadad Azizi, Karim Bagheri, Mehdi Mahdavikia,” says Al Jaber. “They were a top, top team. They were number one in the tournament, the best team and everyone thought they would win the Asian Cup for sure.”
“But we played a great game, a fantastic defensive game, it was 0-0 and we won on penalties because we had a fantastic goalkeeper in Mohammed Al Daeyea. We won the Asian Cup because he stopped penalties against Iran in the semi-final and against UAE in the final," he added.