Courtesy: The AFC.com


Shams predicts Iran-Uzbek final

Friday, 19 March 2010

Tashkent: Iran coach Hossein Shams has picked up Uzbekistan as their likely opponents in the final of the 2010 AFC Futsal Championship.
The nine-time champions were placed in Group B along with Kuwait, Australia and Tajikistan following the draw for the 16-team championship on Friday.

“This is the top Asian futsal tournament and there are no weak teams. All the teams must be respected,” he told the-afc.com.

“Japan and Thailand are strong and always dangerous to face but I think Uzbekistan can spring a surprise this time,” he said.

“They failed to reach the semi-finals in the last edition but they are now trained by Sergio Sapo, who guided Japan to continental glory in 2006.

“Uzbekistan will also have home advantage and I think they will be our likely opponents in the final on May 30,” he added.




Courtesy: The AFC.com


Delighted Sapo targets title

Friday, 19 March 2010

Tashkent: Uzbekistan coach Sergio Sapo has expressed his delight at getting an easier group for the 2010 AFC Futsal Championship on Friday.

The hosts were drawn in Group A alongside Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Lebanon in the 16-nation competition which will be played in Tashkent from May 23 to 30.

“The draw is relatively easier for us but I believe we have the ability to win the title for the first time,” the Brazilian tactician told the-afc.com after the draw.

“We are having a systematic approach to the Finals. We had several training camps and played more than a dozen friendlies.

“We will travel to Thailand next month and will play in a four-nation tournament involving Thailand, Iran and Argentina,” said the former Japan futsal coach who was instrumental in breaking Iran’s supremacy in 2006 and handing Japan the crown.

“I have confidence on my team and I think the time has come for Uzbekistan to show their prowess in futsal.”


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