Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Islamic Republic of Iran for clinching the AFC Futsal Championship Chinese Taipei 2018 crown after defeating Japan 4-0 in Sunday’s final at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taipei City.
The AFC President said: “On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to offer my congratulations to Islamic Republic of Iran for their victory and their dazzling displays throughout the competition.
“We should also praise Japan for their consistency and showing great spirit in an enthralling final.”
“I must also congratulate everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes, the delegation and the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran. I am confident that this victory will serve as an inspiration to fans and aspiring players in the country.”
The AFC President also acknowledged the contributions of the local organisers: “The AFC awarded the rights to Chinese Taipei as part of our commitment to ensure the game continues to reach new audiences and territories.
“As hosts for the first time, the Chinese Taipei Football Association and the Local Organising Committee have done remarkably well and I thank them for their hard work and dedication in delivering a successful event.
“I have no doubt that the tournament will leave a lasting legacy on the future development of futsal in Chinese Taipei.”
IR Iran, who finished third in the last edition of the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia, reinforced their dominance after claiming their 12th continental futsal title. The Iranians cruised through to the final, netting 46 goals in the process, grabbing convincing victories over Myanmar, China PR, Thailand as well as Uzbekistan.
Showcasing their world-class prowess on Sunday’s final, the Central Asians took the lead in the first half courtesy of the tournament’s MVP, Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh. A clinical second half performance which saw goals from the competition’s top-scorer Hossein Tayebi as well as Farhad Tavakoli, and Hassanzadeh again, secured the Iranians their second consecutive title.