2016 Round-up: What a year it’s been for Asian football [IRAN]
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Loading...AFC – KUALA LUMPUR, It has been another phenomenal year for Asian football – twelve scintillating months that have witnessed the continuing evolution of the game throughout the continent. Highlights of Iran’s footballing year are as follows:
February
AFC Futsal Championship Uzbekistan Finals
Iran secured an 11th AFC Futsal Championship title after edging out hosts Uzbekistan 2-1 in the final. Ali Hassanzadeh was awarded the Most Valuable Player for his incredible displays throughout the tournament. Thailand’s Suphawut Thueanklan was named the top scorer after netting four goals.
August
Olympic Football Tournament Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Korea Republic reached the quarter-finals of the Men’s Olympic Football tournament, while China PR and Australia reached the same stage of the Women’s Olympic Football extravaganza. History was also made when referee Alireza Faghani and his assistants Reza Sokhandan and Mohammadreza Mansouri from the Islamic Republic of Iran became the first Asian match officials to officiate the Men’s Olympic Football final.
September
FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia
Iran claimed a historic third place at the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia, displaying the growth of Asian futsal. Iran’s Ahmad Esmaeilpour won the tournament’s Bronze Ball award.
AFC U-16 Championship India Finals
Iraq defeated Iran after an intense match culminating in a 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory. Iraq’s Mohammed Dawood bagged the Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer awards.
