Lippi earns kudos from Queiroz

Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz is heaping praise on China counterpart Marcello Lippi ahead of their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, saying the man who guided Italy to the global title in 2006 is "good for Asian soccer."

Lippi took China's reins last October to revive the team's flagging fortunes. After battling Qatar to a scoreless draw in his first game in charge, the 68-year-old orchestrated a 1-0 home win over South Korea last Thursday.

With five points, China sits four back of the third-place playoff spot with four games remaining, and group leader Iran will be primed to extend its unbeaten streak in Tehran on Tuesday.