Iran battle back after going a goal down to open their Asian Cup adventure with a 2-1 victory, while China thumped co-hosts Malaysia 5-1, with both teams showing enough to suggest that Sunday's meeting will be a closely fought affair.

"The game we have already had was very difficult, but we got the three points and we are going into the China match very motivated," Ghalenoei said.

"China are a very good side. They are well organised defensively and their defenders support the attack well.

"I also believe they play at a faster pace than they used to. I really do think that we are going to have a tough time but China do also have their weaknesses."

Meanwhile, China coach Zhu Guanghu was equally effusive in his praise of a nation that has been crowned continental champions on three occasions.

"This China team must go step by step because we are facing three opponents who are strong teams and that of course includes Iran who have won the Asian Cup three times and appeared at World Cups," said the former Shenzhen Jianlibao coach.

"Iran are the strongest team in the group and because of this we are going to play differently than we did against Malaysia in our opening game.

"From what we know, Iran are a very good attacking side so I think tomorrow night's match will be a game of attack and counter attack.

"Although, even if we do change our strategy, we will be trying just as hard to win the game against Iran as we were when we played Malaysia."

Ghalenoei will however be forced to watch the action unfold from the stands after he received a one-match touchline ban after being sent to the stands for throwing a water bottle at an official during Iran's opening 2-1 win over Uzbekistan.

While questioning why Qatar coach Dzemaludin Musovic was not admonished for a similar brush with the authorities, Ghalenoei was at pains to point out that he has the utmost faith in the rest of Iran's backroom staff ahead of a game that looks set to decide who will finish top of Group C.

"My problem here has not been resolved so I will be suspended for the China game. Having said that, though, I am amazed that the coach of Qatar has not been similarly punished after what he did against Japan," the 43-year-old said.

"My decision was a very unfair one because it was a mistake by the referee. I threw the water bottle after a mistake by one of my players and not at an official.

"I have a great belief in my staff, though. It is not going to make a big difference if I am not there," he added.