In the wake of Iran’s 2-0 defeat of co-hosts Malaysia on Wednesday night, Team Melli coach Amir Ghalenoei revealed that his side were happy to have achieved their aim of finishing top of a strong Group C.

A first half penalty from Javad Nekounam coupled with a late Andranik Teymourian goal, helped Iran seal a less than comfortable victory at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, a result that nevertheless sets up a mouth-watering last eight clash with Korea Republic in Kuala Lumpur.

Ghalenoei said: "I think that today’s game was a very good one for our team. Even though we failed to convert too many of the chances we created, to finish top of the group with seven points, especially considering how tough this group was, is very good indeed.

"This result means that we can now stay in Malaysia and we are happy about that," added the former Eteghlal boss.

Ghalenoei insisted that whilst Iran may have struggled to overcome opponent who had been berated for their poor performances, he saw plenty of positives in the albeit slender victory.

He added: "As you saw our system in this match was a very attacking one. I have to say that our forwards did well even though they missed some chances. In general though I am very pleased with my players tonight - even the strikers.

"Our attacking system has been working very well and I think that in the game against Malaysia we had good co-ordination and we were strong down the wings. Malaysia defended very deep so I am pleased with how my team performed."

Following a 2-1 defeat of Uzbekistan and a 2-2 draw with China, Iran’s subsequent pole position finish has set up a mouth-watering last eight clash with Korea Republic, opponents that Ghalenoei preferred not to dwell on.

"We will have to look at the videotapes of Korea’s games and, when we have done that, we can work on how to attack some of their weaknesses.

"I really don’t want to say too much about that at the moment but what I will say is that we are not afraid of our quarter-final opponents."

The 43-year-old also took time out to question why Malaysia had not been equally defence minded in the two games which saw them beaten heavily.

"I think that if Malaysia had played the same way in the two games against Uzbekistan and China in which they were beaten, they might have go some points. They should have used the same system that they used against us."