BANGKOK. Dec 11: The Chinese soccer squad, still smarting from their crushing defeats to Iran in the World Cup qualifiers. vowed to take their revenge in Saturday's clash with the western Asian soccer power at the Asian Games, reports Xinhua.

"It will be a game of revenge." said British head coach Bobby Houghton, who took the helm of a demoralised Chinese team after their former coach Qi Wusheng resigned in disgrace.

In the World Cup final qualification tournament earlier last year. China lost 2-4 and then 1-4 to Iran and didn't make the French World Cup finals.

'The Chinese players feel hurt about World Cup losses to Iran." said Houghton. 'Their form has been improving and they can't wait to square off with Iran."

On Thursday. China handed a 6-1 defeat to Oman who had upset Iran in the Games.

"Oman's victory over Iran boosted our morale." said Chinese assistant coach Jin Zhiyang. We have no pressure and are determined to slug put with Iran. I really want to know — is China better than Iran, or just the opposite?"

Chinese team captain Fan Zhiyi who plays for English Division One club Crystal Palace said China now held an edge over Iran.

"They are not the same team with the one in the World Cup." he said. "1 think we have an advantage."

Oman head coach Burridge Viera whose team can quality for the quarter finals if China either draws or defeats Iran, told Chinese coaches that Iran's defenders on wings were weak-ne.ssgsj

"Chinese can use their speed to slice open Iran's defence from both sides, Viera said.