Aziman Rosdi
CHANGSHU: Jordan coach Richard Brunskill is expecting upsets in Group C of the AFC Under-23 Championship which starts in China today.
Brunskill said he believes the competition in Group C, which features 2013 winners Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, will be very close.
"The standard of competition here is very high, there are a lot of talented players and every team has prepared well," said the Englishman yesterday.
"I believe there will be surprises in the group stage."
Jordan have done relatively well in the past, having finished third in 2013 and had also reached the quarterfinals two years ago.
They, however, will have to be at their best to beat Saudi Arabia in their opening game at the Changshu Stadium today.
|Saudi Arabia are a strong team who have been to the final before.
"We have prepared ourselves for every game we will play, not just to face Saudi Arabia. Hopefully, we will be able to get off to a good start."
Saudi Arabia coach Daniel Teglia said his team do not feel pressured despite their favourites tag in the group.
"I admit that Group C is tough but we have the players to put in a strong challenge," said Teglia.
"There will not be any easy matches and winning our first game will be very important if we are to progress."
Saudi Arabia had finished second behind Iraq in their qualifying group. Iraq had beaten them 1-0 in the final of the 2013 edition.
Translated from Harian Metro