Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Ho Chi Minh City: Coach Jesus Candelas knows Iran must still improve further as the 10-time champions prepare for a semi-final with Uzbekistan at the AFC Futsal Championship despite Wednesday’s resounding 15-4 victory over tournament hosts Vietnam.
Hossein Tayebi, Asghar Hassanzadeh and Mohammad Shajari each scored hat-tricks against Vietnam at Phu Tho Stadium.
But despite Iran head into Thursday’s meeting with Uzbekistan, who beat Lebanon 6-2 to secure their place in the semi-finals, with a 100% record as they bid to win their 11th AFC Futsal Championship title, Candelas is demanding more from his side.
“I think in the game with Vietnam there was a lot of direct play and direct play has its consequences and each game has its own style," said Candelas.
“What has happened is that Iran were attacking too much, but we are trying to improve futsal. I love futsal and the aim of futsal is to score goals.
“We are now preparing for the semi-final, but now we have to think little by little.
“Iran were not waiting to see what was going on in other game out of respect to the other teams; we will concentrate on our game and what we must do to win.
“Iran is not feeling that it is the best, but it is trying to do its best. They are very different things."
It was a humbling experience for tournament hosts Vietnam as they were out-classed in their first-ever AFC Futsal Championship quarter-final despite Pham Thanh Dat and Ly Khanh Hung adding to a brace from Phung Trong Luan.
"The score reflects the game. I don’t want to say excuses; Iran played a very good game and are a very good team,” said Vietnam coach Bruno Garcia.
“At the moment we know where the top is and the way to improve and arrive more near the top.
“This is a young team and they can go a long way and improve in the future and this game is very good for them to see where the top is."