TEHRAN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iran's national football team is hoping to take all three points in its opening 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Hong Kong, China on Tuesday.
Marc Wilmots' team will take on the East Asian side at the 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium in So Kon Po on Tuesday.
Iran captain Ehsan Hajsafi said on Monday that despite its defensive style of play in recent years, Team Melli has embarked on a more attacking approach since Wilmots was appointed head coach in May.
The Belgian, who replaced Carlos Queiroz, started his reign with a 5-0 win over Syria in a friendly match and drew 1-1 with South Korea in Seoul in June.
"We are going to have a strong start in the competition. We will dictate our style of play. Team Melli will play attacking football against their opponents," Wilmots said.
In addition to Hong Kong, Iran have also been drawn alongside Iraq, Bahrain and Cambodia in Group C of the Asian qualifiers, and are favorites to progress to the third round.
Hong Kong, China, got off to a shaky start in their qualifying campaign, drawing 1-1 against an under-strength Cambodia side in Phnom Penh on Thursday night. Enditem
