Courtesy: The AFC.com


AFC Futsal Championship – MD5

Tuesday, 09 March 2010

The curtain comes down on the Group Stage of the inaugural AFC Futsal Club Championship with Pro’s Café, Port Authority and Wuhan Dilong all still in with a shout of advancing from Group A with Qatari powerhouse Al Sadd.

Meanwhile in Group B, Japanese champions Nagoya Oceans square off with local favourites Foolad Mahan Sepahan to see which of the two semi-finalists finish top of the table while Kyrgyzstan’s AUB Altyn Tash and Stroitel Zarafshan battle to see which of the Central Asian sides avoid the wooden spoon.




Courtesy: The AFC.com


Amarante calls for calm Oceans

Monday, 08 March 2010

Esfahan: Coach Adil Amarante will try to find the right blend of caution and aggression for Nagoya Oceans' Group A decider with Foolad Mahan Sepahan at Pirouzi Stadium on Tuesday.

With both sides boasting 100% records at the tournament so far, the two will meet to determine who will claim top spot and with it the potentially easier of the two semi-final ties.

Foolad brushed aside Uzbeks Stroitel Zarafshan 12-1 on Monday to secure their place in the last four and Amarante believes it is crucial to limit the Iranians' scoring opportunities.

“In the next match, the important thing for us is less about scoring but preventing them from scoring,” said the Portuguese coach (pictured).

“The next match I am sure we will play well and we will go for the win. The important thing is to play well and the experience the players gain for this tournament good for Japanese futsal.

“But we must still be careful and avoid picking up yellow cards so not have suspensions for the semi-final.”

Foolad coach Hossein Afzali has called for a calmer approach from his side than that shown against Stroitel.

Despite having the game against the Uzbeks wrapped up at half-time, the Iran champions gave away too many fouls in the second half.

“The players were too enthusiastic to score and were making too many challenges. We need to refrain from repeating that against Nagoya,” added Afzali.

“They have some good players and like we did for the Uzbek side we have analysed the Nagoya players.

“We are trying to concentrate on their weaknesses so we can beat them.”

Kyrgyzstan side AUB Altyn Tash Bishkek and Stroitel Zarafshan meet in the group's other game looking to secure three points and avoid the ignominy of finishing bottom of the group.

Despite his side's failure to reach the knockout stage, Stroitel coach Anvar Mamedov believes the tournament have been an invaluable experience.

“It is very good for us to play in such a tournament because we gain experience from these matches,” he said.

“We will play to the very end and we will try to show what we can do. We will do our best and try to win.”




Courtesy: The AFC.com


Only Thunder on radar for Abou Chaaya

Monday, 08 March 2010

Esfahan – Pro's Cafe coach Rabih Abou Chaaya will not let the permutations that could see his side progress to the AFC Futsal Club Championship semi-finals enter his thoughts prior to their final Group B game with NSW Thunder on Tuesday .

A win for the Lebanese could see them snatch second spot if Chinese side Wuhan Dilong are unable to beat Port Authority of Thailand or if the Thais fail to win by a large enough goal margin.

NSW Thunder are already out of the running for a place in the last four but Chaaya has warned his players not to let that fact be a reason for a drop in performance levels against the Australians.

“I have to think about only the Australia game and if it is God's will we will be in the second round but if not then it has been a good experience,” said Chaaya (pictured).

“It is good they do not have a hope of the second round but they have to do something and maybe they will think they can do it against us.

“I have to get my players out of this mentality. We have to win and we cannot think about the Australians' emotions and what they are thinking. We are only thinking of the win and that is what is important.”

NSW Thunder coach Jamie Amendolia has promised Pro's Cafe his side will not roll over and give up the three points easily as they look to finish the tournament on a high.

“Each game we play has been a learning experience,” he said.

“We will treat the last game as we have treated the first three games. We are here to win and I am sure the boys will come out with the same attitude as before.”

Should Pro's Cafe lose then the victor of the group's other game between Port Authority of Thailand and Wuhan Dilong will take their place in the last four, while a draw will be enough for the latter to progress.

Port Authority edged NSW Thunder 6-5 on Monday and coach Udom Taveesuk is under no illusions as to the importance of the game.

“For the game tomorrow we need the points and they also need points,” he said.

“It will be a difficult game but we hope get chances.”

The only defeat Wuhan have suffered at the tournament so far came while player-coach Li Xin was suspended and he hopes his influence on the pitch can once again inspire his side to victory.

“When I am playing I am able to see things you cannot see from the bench. I then pass this information to my two assistant coaches,” he said.

“The Thai team are strong and we will take the game very seriously and will try our best to win.”


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