Iran’s victory raises Shamsaee questions

AFC – KUALA LUMPUR, Iran proved they can win the Asian title without star player Vahid Shamsaee. However, how would they fare without the two-time AFC Player of the Year in two years’ time in Thailand?

Shamsaee was left out of the squad for the just-concluded Tashkent tournament because of a rift with coach Hossein Shams, who felt the player was becoming bigger than the team.

There were failed efforts to get 36-year-old Shamsaee into the team at the eleventh hour but, in the end, Iran were deserved winners beating hosts Uzbekistan 8-3 in the final.

Several questions emerge after their 10th title. Can Iran perform at world level without Shamsaee? Even if he plays at the 2012 World Cup, will Shamsaee still have the skills that now make him one of the world’s best players?

And, if in two years’ time Shamsaee is, indeed, past it, does Iran need a player of similar calibre to carry the team? Possibly Mohammed Taheri, the MVP at the AFC Futsal Championship 2010.

The-afc.com’s Farsi Editor Shahin Rahmani says Iran’s victory in Tashkent will have a deep impact on the Shamsaee legend.

“For the World Cup, you need a bunch of players who have the skills beyond those of normal players,” said Rahmani.

“Individual skills can play an important part but it is still early too judge what will be the situation in two years time.

“Who knows? The Uzbekistan victory may motivate Shamsaei to double his effort and force his way back.

“On the other hand, this could show everyone that the team can win without him and mark the end of an era for a legend.”

Rahmani said this could be the perfect time for new heroes to emerge from Shamsaee’s shadow.

This is hardly difficult for a country who have produced a steady stream of high-quality futsal players.

“In reality,” said Rahmani. “This is more a question of Shamsaee’s future rather than the future of the Iran futsal team.”