Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Terengganu: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Mohammad Mirshamsi has praised the performance of his players after they lifted the AFC Beach Soccer Championship Malaysia 2017 title on Saturday thanks to a 7-2 thrashing of the United Arab Emirates.
The Iranians established a healthy 3-0 lead in the first period, before seeing off a brief UAE rally to be crowned worthy champions of Asia.
“We were ready for this game and we knew that the UAE were tired as it was a tough semi-final game against Lebanon for them,” Mirshamsi said.
“I think today’s game was easy for us. The most important advantage that we had over the UAE today was physical fitness. We were thankful for that.
“Looking back, I think our most difficult match in this competition was our encounter against Japan in the semi-finals, but we analysed the UAE’s games and I believe we were ahead of them in terms of tactics and technique.”
Having qualified for the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, along with losing finalists the UAE and third-placed Japan, Mirshami believes Asia is now well placed to challenge for honours come April’s global extravaganza in the Bahamas.
“It is good that Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Japan are all representing Asia [at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup],” he said.
“I believe we now have a strong Asian presence at the World Cup.”
Photos: AFC