Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games 2017: Iran men’s Futsal issue warning to rivals in Ashgabat

AFC – ASGHABAT, Islamic Republic of Iran were relentless in their Group D opening match against Tahiti, winning 16-1 and serving notice of their intent of adding a fifth crown in the Ashgabat 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games men’s futsal on Monday.

The defending champions, who have won all four editions since futsal was first held in 2005, showed their attacking prowess, knocking in eight goals in each half.

Hat-tricks from Farhad Tavakoli (4th, 13th, 14th) and Ahmad Esmaeilpour (8th, 10th, 18th) and one each from Mahdi Javid (16th), Saeid Ahmad Abbasi (11th) gave IR Iran a 8-0 lead into the break.

Javid added three more in the second half – in the 27th, 30th and 37th minutes – to take his tally to four as IR Iran swept their opponents with further goals from Mohammad Shajari (31st, 33rd), Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh (34th), Hossein Tayebibidgoli (35th) and Hamid Ahmadidazaj 39th minute.

“It was a great honour to play against such a great team. It was tough to have them coming, coming and coming again at our team,” said Tahiti goalkeeper Hiti Thierry Ariiotima.

Tahiti got their consolation through Jacob Tutavae in the 27th minute.