Source: The-AFC.com

Hosts Nagoya Ocean’s tie against defending champions Sanaye Giti Pasand is one of the main highlights of the Saturday’s semifinal with the other being a clash between Chonburi Bluewave and Shenzhen Nanling.

Nagoya topped group A with hundred percent record while Giti Pasand ended Group B as runners-up after suffering a sensational defeat at the hands of Chonburi Bluewave.

Giti Pasand coach Reza Aliabady agrees that the momentum is with the Japanese as they will look to take the home advantages.

“They are the home team as well as one of the favourites of the tournament,” said Aliabady.

“But we are also one of the contenders so definitely, it won’t be an easy outing on Saturday for the Japanese.

“In last three editions Iran clubs have always managed to enter into the final of this competition, so we must continue that tradition of making it into the final,” he added.

Nagoya coach Victor Acosta believes that sticking on the basics of futsal and playing their own game would be sufficient to beat the Iranians.

“We know that they are very experienced and strong opponent so we will play our own futsal to win the semi-final,” he said.

Chonburi had defeated Shenzhen Nanling twice during the qualifiers but coach Pazos Mendez does not want to dwell on past.

“They are completely different with new set of players and new coach so there is no resemblance of whatsoever from the qualifiers, it will be a tough task,” he said.

Mendez counterpart Adil Amarante also echoed the Spaniard.

“It will be a different story on Thursday but there will be lot more excitement because we both know each other very well,” he said.





FP Staff --> info@futsalplanet.com