Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tashkent: Coach Mohammad Nazemosharie has warned “anything can happen” ahead of Sunday’s AFC Futsal Championship final against hosts Uzbekistan as Iran chance an 11th continental title at Uzbekistan Stadium.
Iran have progressed to the final with a perfect record and underlined their title credentials with a 13-1 semi-final success over Vietnam on Friday.
Nazemosharie’s side, who have scored 46 goals and conceded just three in five games, also beat Uzbekistan 8-3 in the 2010 final in Tashkent which was the last time Iran won the AFC Futsal Championship title.
“We’ve prepared for six months for this one moment and we came to Uzbekistan only for one match, for this match, and to become champions,” said Nazemosharie.
“Sure, on paper we are the strongest team but the interesting and wonderful thing about futsal is that anything can happen in any match.
“If people say we are going to win for sure, for 99%, then I say we must focus on getting better and stopping the other 1%.
“No team that thinks they are champions can become champions; we have to come fully prepared, with good tactics, a good approach, mentality and strategy.”
Uzbekistan have also progressed to the final without losing a game, but the hosts did need penalties to edge out Thailand in their semi-final on Friday following a 2-2 draw after extra-time.
“We have to accept that we are playing in Uzbekistan’s home and that they have a huge advantage with the crowd on their side,” added Nazemosharie.
“Every match you see, and I’m sure it will be the same on Sunday, their fans arrive hours before kick-off and they sing and play music and we know just how difficult it will be.”
Iran, though, following the 2010 final success, have won 22 of the 24 meetings with Uzbekistan.
“We are constantly thinking how to improve, so that’s why we practised the power-play, just to be ready,” said Nazemosharie.
“It’s also why we’ll practice penalties because you never know what can happen in this beautiful game of futsal.”
Photo: AFC