Press TV - Iran's Sepahan has advanced to quarterfinals of the Club World Cup after defeating New Zealand's Waitakere United in the opening match.

In a strong showing, Sepahan clinched a 3-1 victory over the New Zealanders at Tokyo's National Stadium before 30,000 football fans.

Striker Emad Mohammad Reza netted two in the first four minutes to secure a comfortable win.

"We were the more experienced team," said Sepahan coach Luka Bonacic. "We got two goals early and then the rest of the match was easy."

Sephan's Iraqi playmaker Abdul Wahab Abu Al Hail scored a third two minutes into the second half while the late pressure from the Kiwis gave them a consolation goal by Darren Bazeley in the 74th minute.

Sepahan's easy win gives them the chance to avenge their defeat at the hands of Japan's Urawa Reds in last month's Asian Champions League final in Toyota on December 10.

In a press conference before the tournament in Tehran, Bonacic said he hoped to defeat the Japanese team to advance to the semifinals.

In additions to Iran's and New Zealand's teams, Italian giant AC Milan, South American champion Boca Juniors of Argentina, African champion Etoile Sahel of Tunisia, CONCACAF champion CF Pachuca of Mexico and Asian winners Urawa Reds are participating in the December 7 - 16 Club World Cup tournament.

... Payvand News - 12/07/07 ... --