Iran triumphs with a sparkling display

By Doug Reed

Coaching Workshop
The final day began with a presentation on youth futsal by former El Pozo player and part of CD Murcia's technical staff, Nacho Garrido. Showing that you never stop learning there were two esteemed coaches in attendance, FIFA Futsal Instructor Mico Martic and former Iranian National Team Head Coach, Hossein Shams, holder of 5 Asian Futsal Championships. It was a well received presentation conducted in Spanish with an international audience requiring translations in English, Persian, Croatian and Italian.

The Final
Iran became the Fusio Cup 2012 Champions with a 6-3 victory against Minas Tenis from Brazil. As had occurred in all their previous games Iran were dominant throughout the game but they found it difficult to open the scoring though not through a lack of shots on goal. At half-time despite battering the Minas goal the score remained goalless.

The second half was a different story and within 5 minutes Iran were 2-0 up and the game looked over. However this was a final and the Brazilians were not going to give in so easily. Minas managed to score despite rarely testing the Iranian goalkeeper. The Iranians replied quickly to restore their 2 goal lead. Minas decided to make a tactical change at this moment in the game. Instead of relying on their bigger and more powerful, yet less mobile, players they decided to play 4 smaller and more agile players. This caused problems for the Iranian defence. Minas scored a second but again Iran replied quickly to make it 4-2. Minas then scored for a 3rd time and that would be as close as they would get to eliminating the deficit as Iran again replied quickly with a stunning fast break that took the score to 5-3. The Brazilians decided to employ the goalkeeper player to try to salvage the game but this backfired when Iran's goalkeeper caught the ball and kicked the ball into Minas' empty net. Eventually the final whistle was blown and the team from Asia could begin their celebrations on a deserved triumph.

On review Iran were clearly the best team in the tournament, noting that they had an advantage over their rivals as this was a nationally selected squad whereas the other teams were club sides. National selection or not the Iranians showed an exceptional level of play that would arguably compete with any other national selection from any nation. Their players possess outstanding technique with quick and precise passing, instantaneous control and dribbling skills that allowed them to find a way out of situations that appeared to have no possibility of escape. Built on top of this was a tactical knowledge that showed maturity beyond their years. Add a willingness to fight, sacrifice and strong work ethic and it is easy to see why they were so impressive and entertaining. It is evident that the methods the Iranians are utilising to develop their young players is effective and has helped them to become a world power in senior level futsal. Congratulations to the Iranian players and staff for their achievement and level of performance.

Atmosphere
After the final had finished the actions off the court were just as impressive as the futsal had been on it. Players were mixing together, congratulating each other and taking pictures together. The respect shown for the opponents was exemplary and the level of fair play on court had generally been good throughout. We must look at ourselves to ask why these attitudes seem to disappear in the short time between this age group and when these players enter the senior game. Of course we should fight with everything for victory on the court, this being a demonstration of respect for the opponent, and once the game is over being friendly and respectful with each other. As the players here from 6 different countries in 3 different continents have demonstrated.

Closing Comments
In conclusion this was a fantastic tournament that was well organised and enjoyed by everyone in addition to being a great advert for youth futsal. Congratulations to everyone involved especially the protagonists, the players.