Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Taipei: Japan captain Akira Minamoto admitted that Islamic Republic of Iran’s superior qualities and clinical finishing meant they were deserved winners of the AFC Futsal Championship 2018 final on Sunday.
The Samurai Blue came out strongly in the opening half but tournament MVP Ali Hassanzadeh’s goal with just a minute remaining before the interval proved a turning point, and the Iranians scored three times more to finish as champions for the 12th time on the back of a 4-0 scoreline at Xinzhuang Gymnasium.
“I am glad we were able to show our style tonight but ultimately, in the important details, Iran’s superior qualities won out,” said Minamoto.
“We knew we had to start off with a good defensive solidity as that would be a key foundation for the match, and thereby a platform to take the initiative in the game – because Iran’s attack is very strong.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/japan_bench_reacts_-_fc2018.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Taipei: Islamic Republic of Iran star Hossein Tayebi emerged top scorer at the AFC Futsal Championship 2018 with a haul of 14 goals.
Tayebi edged two-time AFC Most Valuable Player of The Year and teammate, Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh who scored two goals against Japan to finish second with 12.
It was Tayebi's second top scorer award following his first win four years ago in Vietnam.
Tayebi was instrumental throughout the tournament as he scored hat-tricks against Myanmar, China and Thailand. His last goal of the tournament against The Samurai Five in the final on Sunday summed up his fantastic tournament.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Taipei: Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh of Islamic Republic of Iran was named the AFC Futsal Championship 2018 Most Valuable Player (MVP), and the livewire dedicated the award to his squad.
The MVP of the competition is awarded to the player who has shown excellence in play, and his overall contribution to his team during the entire competition, and Hassanzadeh has shown those qualities.
“Firstly, I would like to say thanks to AFC, for arranging such an excellent tournament, and for allowing us to participate,” said Hassanzadeh.
“And I’m more than happy to receive this award. But I don't believe it’s mine alone, as it belongs to my team. All the players who have helped me throughout the tournament.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Taipei: Islamic Republic of Iran were crowned the AFC Futsal Championship winners for the 12th time after beating Japan 4-0 on Sunday.
Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh gave Iran the lead in the first half, and further goals from Farhad Tavakoli, Hossein Tayebi and Hassanzadeh again secured them a second consecutive title.
The battle between the Continent’s two futsal giants began as expected, with both sides playing a high pressure game with intense marking from the first blow of the whistle, and Mahdi Javid came dangerously close for Iran in the opening minutes when his effort struck the goal frame.
Japan head coach Bruno Garcia kept his players fully charged with flying substitutions which forced Iran to constantly adapt to the changing formations.