Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Taipei: Playing in his first tournament as a member of Islamic Republic of Iran’s national futsal team, Alireza Rafieipor helped his teammates defeat Japan 4-0 in the AFC Futsal Championship 2018 final on Sunday.
While many of Iran’s celebrated futsal stars have a long list of continental honours, 24-year-old Alireza Rafieipor’s journey as a national team player began in Taipei two weeks ago and ended on Sunday night as an Asian champion for the first time.
The Sherkat Melli Haffari player was part of the side that lifted the AFC Futsal Championship title for the 12th time, but for the man from Behbahan city, it was extra special.
“I am really thankful and, I must say, more than happy to be champion because this tournament marked my first time joining the national team,” he said.
“I am going home to my city Behbahan as a champion!”
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/irans_alireza_samimi_v_japan_-_fc2018_1.html
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.
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 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.