03 August 2004	Tuesday	16 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

BEIJING, Aug 2: Hosts China face a test against resurgent Iran while holders Japan take on giant-killers Bahrain as East clashes with West in the Asian Cup semifinals on Tuesday.

Both games have added spice with bitter East Asian rivals China and Japan on course to collide in a potentially explosive final on Saturday. However, Iran underlined their title credentials when they knocked out South Korea, beating the World Cup semifinalists 4-3 in a pulsating quarterfinal at the weekend.

"We were confident of beating South Korea and we will take the same confidence into the game with China," said Iran striker Ali Daei, who has scored 95 goals in 127 internationals.

"We are not afraid of China." Three-times champions Iran have closed ranks since having three players suspended for violent conduct in the group stages. "All the problems we had have brought the team closer together," said Iran's Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic.

"The players have done a fantastic job of staying positive. But we need a little luck." China, however, will be under intense pressure to reach the final for the first time since 1984. -Reuters