AFC Futsal Championship 2016 SF: Iran vs. Vietnam [Preview]

AFC – TASHKENT, Iran coach Mohammad Nazemosharie insists his ten-time champions must ‘fully respect’ giant-killing Vietnam ahead of their AFC Futsal Championship semi-final meeting at the Universal Stadium on Friday after the Southeast Asian nation sensationally eliminated Japan in the quarter-finals.

Most had expected a matchup between the tournament’s most successful nation, Iran, and the defending champions, Japan, in the last four but a scintillating performance from Vietnam saw them defeat the holders and deservedly qualify for their first semi-final appearance.

Team Melli, though, have shown no wobbles on their way to the final four and have scored 33 goals – averaging more than eight a game – so far and only conceded twice across their four fixtures.

“We know that Vietnam will be a tough opponent and we will fully respect them but we must also aim to keep decreasing our mistakes game by game because this match could really be decided by the team that puts on the better show and makes the fewest mistakes,” said Nazemosharie.

“We have managed to keep our concentration high and now the real works begins, I have always said we must take each game as it comes in order to fulfill our ultimate plan of being champions.

“We are aiming for this match to be our best of the competition so far.”

Opposing coach, Bruno Formoso has warned Iran they are not satisfied with just reaching the last four but that they want to pull off another upset and go on and win the tournament.

“Of course we are thrilled to reach this stage and qualify for the World Cup but we have not finished the tournament, the next step is to reach the final here,” said the Vietnam coach.

“We need to focus on our recovery now and we know Iran will be a really strong match but we also know how it is because we went into the game against Japan in the same situation with the other team being favourites.

“We had to win the mental and the tactical battle and we have a plan to prepare for every moment of this match and I’m sure our young players can put on another good performance.”

Photo: AFC