Courtesy: The AFC.com


IRAN SET UP FIFA FUTSAL WORLD CUP ROUND OF 16 CLASH AGAINST BRAZIL

Sep 19 2016

Medellin: Islamic Republic of Iran set a meeting with reigning champions Brazil in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016 after rounding up their Group F campaign with a 3-3 draw with Azerbaijan at the Coliseo Ivan de Bedout.
Iran qualified for the knockout stages as one of the Group Stage’s best third-place finishers as Groups E and F wrapped up Sunday (local time), which also saw fellow Asian representative Vietnam advance to the Round of 16 on the third-place ticket.

On three occasions the two teams exchanged goals in quick succession with neither able to gain a break on their opponents, in what was an entertaining contest in Medellin.

Iran entered the contest trailing their rivals on goal difference, and perhaps it was they who seemed marginally more enterprising in attack during the early stages.

Indeed Iran opened the scoring just a minute into the contest after some great combination play ended with Ahmad Esmaeilpour firing high past an exposed goalkeeper. However, and in keeping with what was to be a theme, Azerbaijan quickly drew level as Gallo corner volley was deflected into the net.

The match settled into an entertaining and fast-tempo affair, with Mehran Alighadr hitting the post for Iran, while at the other end Eduardo pinged a shot against the crossbar after attempting to lob the keeper.

The second half commenced just like the first half with an exchange of goals. Farhad Tavakoli converted at the second attempt for Iran, while the always lively Gallo fired home with hard direct shot after a corner.

Azerbaijan were arguably having the better of the second half and went ahead through Gallo only for Iran’s Hossein Tayebi to end the scoring.

Iran, seeking to leapfrog their opponents into second, played with a flying goalkeeper in the latter stages and were nearly rewarded for their endeavour as Esmaielpour hit the post and Javid narrowly failed to convert the follow-up.

Iran scorers:
Ahmad Esmaeilpour (1’00”)
Farhad Tavakoli (20’31”)
Hossein Tayebi (35’35”)





Courtesy: The AFC.com


IRAN, VIETNAM JOIN THAILAND IN FIFA FUTSAL WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT STAGES

Sep 19 2016

Medellin: Islamic Republic of Iran and Vietnam have joined Thailand in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016 following the conclusion of the Group Stage on Sunday (local time).
Iran were the last Asian team to play in the Group Stage and rounded up their Group F campaign with a 3-3 draw against Azerbaijan, according them the knockout stages ticket as one of the best third-place finishers. Their Round of 16 clash is against reigning champions Brazil.

Vietnam were made to wait for favourable results in the last matchday after completing their Group Stage campaign with a 2-0 loss to heavyweights Italy. The Group Stage concluded indeed in their favour as they also punched a third-place finisher’s ticket to the knockout stages where they will play Russia.

Thailand, meanwhile, were the first Asian nation to secure their place in the next stage which is against Azerbaijan after downing Egypt 2-1 last Friday (local time).

Asia's two other representatives - Ubekistan and Australia - exited the tournament at the Group Stage level with the Australians on the brink of qualifying for the Round of 16 as a third-place finisher after their last Group Stage match last Saturday (local time) but the results in the other groups the next day were not favourable to them.


Asian teams’ Round of 16 fixtures (all local dates):

September 20
Russia v Vietnam

September 21
Brazil v Iran

September 22
Thailand v Azerbaijan



Courtesy: The AFC.com


AFC PRESIDENT HAILS ASIAN TEAMS FOR FIFA FUTSAL WORLD CUP LAST 16 QUALIFICATIONS


Sep 19 2016

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Islamic Republic of Iran, Vietnam and Thailand for reaching the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016 Round of 16, following the conclusion of the Group Stage on Sunday (local time).
“On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to congratulate the Islamic Republic of Iran, Vietnam and Thailand for their exhilarating displays throughout the Group Stage.

“Their achievements serve as an inspiration for the continent and reinforce our aspirations to ensure the success of our teams on the world stage under the banner of One Goal, One Asia.”

IR Iran advanced from Group F as one of the best third-placed finishers after their 3-3 draw against Azerbaijan, setting up a Round of 16 clash against reigning champions Brazil. Similarly, Vietnam also sealed their place after finishing third in Group C and will now face Russia in the last 16.

Meanwhile, Thailand was Asia’s first nation to secure their place in the next stage against Azerbaijan after their 2-1 victory over Egypt in Group B last Friday (local time).

The AFC President was also quick to pay tribute to the other two Asia sides – Australia and Uzbekistan – for their worthy efforts despite being eliminated.

“Australia and Uzbekistan should also be commended for their determined efforts and for flying the Asian flag proudly in Colombia. All our teams have shown fantastic spirit and truly deserve their places amongst the world’s best”, added Shaikh Salman.

Vietnam will kick off Asia's last 16 campaign by playing Russia on September 20. IR Iran will feature against reigning champions Brazil on September 21, while Thailand take on Azerbaijan the next day (all dates local).


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com