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The AFC.comGp C: Thais through to last eightMonday, 24 May 2010Tashkent: Substitute Keattiyot Chalaemkhet scored a second-half hat-trick as Thailand qualified for the quarter-finals of the AFC Futsal Championship with a 10-3 win over Korea Republic on Monday at IT University Complex.
Issarasuwipakorn Lertchai scored twice in the first minute to set Thailand, who beat Kyrgyzstan 4-2 in Sunday's Group C opener, on their way before Thueanklang Suphawut, Thusiri Na-tee, Wongkaeo Kritsada and Janta Panuwat netted to open up a commanding half-time lead.
Jeong Euih-yun finally got Korea, who lost 7-3 to Vietnam on Sunday, on the board four minutes after the break only for Thueanklang's second a minute later to restore Thailand's six goal cushion.
And with the result already beyond doubt Keattiyot scored three times in nine minutes to seal Thailand's place in the last eight, while a brace from Kim Jeong-nam proved only consolation for Korea who fell at the first hurdle.
Earlier, Kyrgyzstan got their campaign back on track after holding off a second-half Vietnam fight-back to record a 4-2 win.
After letting slip a two goal first-half lead against Thailand, Dilshat Kadyrov and Gulbek Abdurazakov scored in the last five minutes of the first half to again put Kyrgyzstan in control.
Nurjan Djetybaev added a third four minutes after half-time before Tran Hoang Vinh pulled a goal back for Vietnam three minutes later.
Hoang Vinh further reduced the deficit to set up a tense final six minutes, but Kadyrov added his second in the last minute to halt Vietnam's hopes of adding to Sunday's 7-3 win over Korea.
In Tuesday's final round of games, Thailand face Vietnam, while Kyrgyzstan take on Korea with the second place in the quarter-finals still up for grabs.
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The AFC.comGp A: Hosts book quarter-final berthMonday, 24 May 2010Tashkent: Hosts Uzbekistan booked their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Futsal Championship 2010 following a 4-2 victory over Indonesia at Uzbekistan Sports Complex on Monday.
Sergio Sapo's side, who beat Lebanon 3-1 in the tournament opener on Sunday, took the lead in the 12th minute through Dilshod Irsaliev but Indonesia levelled seven minutes into the second half through Hairul Saleh Ohorella.
Both Jefri Purba and Fakhriddin Samegov struck in the 32nd minute to keep the scores level but Uzbekistan finally edged ahead a minute later with a goal from Nodir Elibaev before Konstantin Sviridov made the three points safe with four minutes remaining.
The win means Uzbekistan are top of Group A with six points, three ahead of Indonesia and Lebanon and face Chinese Taipei – who have yet to win at the tournament – in their final group game on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Lebanon claimed their first win at the tournament with a 6-4 victory over Chinese Taipei at Uzbekistan Sports Complex.
Dory Zakhour's side had lost 3-1 to hosts Uzbekistan in the tournament opener on Sunday but made a strong start to this game as Hassan Chaito scored two goals in quick succession from the 10th minute.
Wang Chih Sheng pulled one back for Chinese Taipei a minute later but Hayssam Atwi restored Lebanon's two-goal advantage in the 13th minute.
Kassem Kawsan grabbed another for Lebanon in the 21st minute before scoring a second four minutes later and Atwi made it 6-1 in the 30th minute.
But substitute Fang Ching Jen led a fight back for Chinese Taipei, scoring in the 34th minute before grabbing a further two in the next four minutes.
However, Lebanon defended well from then on to maintain their two-goal advantage to the final whistle.
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The AFC.comGp D: Japan storm into knockout phaseMonday, 24 May 2010Tashkent: Japan cemented their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Futsal Club Championship 2010 following a resounding 10-1 victory over Iraq at IT University Complex on Monday.
Takanori Kamisawa, Nonuya Osodo and Kensuke Takahashi all scored twice as Japan stormed to the top of Group D with six points while Iraq are third but level on points with second-place China, leaving all to play for in the final group game between the two on Tuesday.
A frenetic start saw Kamisawa score in the second and third minute before Zaman Majid Salim reduced the deficit in the 10th minute.
Kenichiro Kogure immediately restored the lead for Japan before they ran riot in the second half with further goals from Osodo, Takahashi, Shota Hoshi, Akira Yoshida and Mitsuyoshi Matsumiya.
Japan play Turkmenistan on Tuesday while the winner of the match against China and Iraq will join them in the last eight.
Meanwhile, China scored three times in the first four minutes to post a first victory at the tournament with a 6-2 victory over winless Turkmenistan at a humid IT University Complex.
Midfielder Zhang Xi, goalkeeper Zheng Tao and striker Zhang Xiao helped China storm into an early 3-1 lead with Annaberdy Chariyev netting for Turkmenistan as the contest began at a frantic pace.
China maintained their two goal cushion at the break as midfielder Huang He added a fourth and defender Mergen Atayev kept Turkmenistan, who lost 5-3 to Iraq on Sunday, in touch.
But Liang Shuang, scorer of China's late consolation in the 5-1 defeat by Japan in Sunday's Group D opener, extended the lead five minutes after half-time before Huang's second with two minutes remaining sealed the win and ended Turkmenistan’s chances of a place in the last eight.
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The AFC.comGp B: Emphatic Iran march onTuesday, 25 May 2010Tashkent: Iran stormed into the last eight of the AFC Futsal Championship 2010 as the defending champions defeated Australia 9-3 at Uzbekistan Sports Complex on Monday.
The nine-time winners proved they are capable of living up to their favourites tag despite the absence of futsal legend Vahid Shamsaee as they followed up their 19-2 Group B win over Tajikistan with a solid victory over the hard-working Australians and are top of the standings with six points ahead of their final group match against Kuwait on Tuesday.
Mohammadreza Zahmatkesh put Iran ahead in the fourth minute before Mohammad Taheri added a second for his side four minutes later.
Steven Fogarty immediately reduced the deficit before James Giovenali's penalty kick levelled matters.
Mohammad Nasrabadi put Iran ahead two minutes later but once again Australia fought back through Petar Rogic's 18th minute goal.
But Iran turned on the style after the break with further strikes from Taheri and Zahmatkesh while goals from Javad Asgharimoghaddam, Ali Rahnama and a Mostafa Tayyebi brace sealed the win.
Meanwhile, Alisher Ulmasov scored a hat-trick as Tajikistan edged Kuwait 4-3 earlier at Uzbekistan Sports Complex for their first victory at this year’s tournament.
After suffering a crushing 19-2 defeat to futsal powerhouse Iran on Sunday, Tajikistan made a good start to their second game in Group B as Ulmasov put them ahead in the third minute before Khurshed Makhmudov made it 2-0 three minutes later.
Ulmasov scored his second and Tajikistan's third after 18 minutes but Aman Salem pulled one back for Kuwait three minutes into the second half before substitute Muhammad Hamzah made it 3-2 in the 25th minute.
Ulmasov gave Tajikistan some breathing space with a goal two minutes before time but Omar Al Jaser scored for Kuwait to set up a nervy finish.
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The AFC.comGp A: Uzbeks must step up says SapoTuesday, 25 May 2010Tashkent: Uzbekistan coach Sergio Sapo demanded an improvement from his players despite the AFC Futsal Championship 2010 hosts booking their place in the last eight with a 4-2 win over Indonesia at Uzbekistan Sports Complex on Monday.
Three goals in the last 10 minutes ensured Uzbekistan won for the second successive game and sees them top Group A ahead of their final group game against Chinese Taipei on Tuesday.
But Sapo was pleased only with the performance of his side in the closing stages and has called on his players to produce that level of performance over the course of a whole match.
"In the first half we were not able to play our real game,” he said.
“In the end we improved considerably and I was satisfied with just that segment of the match only.”
Indonesia coach Robby Hartono, whose side take on Lebanon on Tuesday in a battle a place in the last eight, felt his side more than matched their opponents.
"We played a strong team which prefers to attack,” he said.
“In a certain part of the match we were able to play as we liked but luck was not on our side today. Regardless, I thank their players for their part in this beautiful game ".
Zakhour grateful for Lebanon lifelineCoach Dory Zakhour was delighted as Lebanon flourished with their campaign on the line as a 6-4 victory over Chinese Taipei kept the West Asians in the hunt for place in the quarter-finals.
After losing to Uzbekistan in the tournament opener on Sunday, Lebanon stormed into a 6-1 lead with 10 minutes remaining against Chinese Taipei to pick up a crucial first win.
"Before the game we realised that we simply had to win and preserve our chances of reaching the next stage,” said Zahoor.
With Uzbekistan beating Indonesia 4-2, Lebanon know victory over Indonesia in Tuesday's final Group A encounter will secure a place in the last eight.
After suffering a second consecutive defeat, Chinese Taipei saw their campaign ended despite an improved display.
"We played better than yesterday. I especially liked the last 10 minutes of the match when we fully took the advantage,” said coach Chen Kuei-jen.
“But our lack of experience and skill did not allow us to achieve the desired result.”
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The AFC.comGp C: Injuries mount for MendezTuesday, 25 May 2010Tashkent: Thailand coach Jose Mendez hopes his side's growing injury list does not affect their chances of reaching the final of the AFC Futsal Championship 2010 after sustaining yet more casualties in their 10-2 victory over Korea Republic on Monday.
The 2008 runners-up booked their place in the quarter-finals following the comfortable win over the Koreans and are top of Group C ahead of their final group match with Vietnam on Tuesday.
"We have to perform well in this tournament, but we are losing players,” said Mendez.
“Before the tournament we lost one of the Suratsawang brothers and now we have lost more players. Nevertheless, we must move forward.”
Korea Republic coach Lee Chang-hwan admitted he always knew the East Asians faced a difficult challenge against Thailand as his side lost their second successive game and have only pride to play for in Tuesday's match with Kyrgyzstan.
"Thailand and Korea, unfortunately for us, the two teams are on different levels,” he said.
“We knew before the game that our chances were slim.
“Our opponents were more technical and more powerful in all areas. We had a good second half, but not enough to perform well in the tournament as a whole.”
Vietnam surprise MukanovKyrgyzstan coach Amirzhan Mukanov, meanwhile, was surprised by the opposition posed by Vietnam and was pleased his side came through with a 4-2 win to remain in the hunt for the last eight.
"I studied the Vietnamese team, but they played better than in the first meeting with the team from Korea,” said Mukanov.
“Frankly speaking, this means that all the teams so far are aligned and this positively affects the level of the Asian futsal.”
Vietnam also remain in the hunt for the semi-finals to better the target set by coach Sergio Gargelli.
"I believe that my players did not deserve the defeat, they fought hard and they did not have any luck,” said the Italian.
“Our goal for the tournament was to win at least one game and we have achieved it.”
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The AFC.comGp D: Rodrigo revels as Japan get into gearTuesday, 25 May 2010Tashkent: Coach Miguel Rodrigo believes Japan's class is starting to show as they overpowered Iraq with a 10-1 victory at IT University Complex on Monday that sealed their place in the last eight of the AFC Futsal Championship 2010.
The free-scoring Japanese have scored 15 goals and conceded just two in the tournament so far and are looking confident as they pursue a second AFC Futsal Championship title on Uzbekistan soil following their triumph four years ago.
"We were initially faced with a problem because Iraq put their entire team in defence and it was difficult for us to create chances,” said Rodrigo.
“However, missed chances still forced our rivals to open up and that left us more space to attack.
"We have a new team and we are pleased with this performance. We can only build on our game, but the plusses of our work are already visible.”
Iraq coach Asaad Al Hamadani had no qualms with the result as he looks to pick his side up for their crucial final Group D match with China on Tuesday to determine who will join Japan in the last eight.
"Yes, we played poorly and lost. We made a lot of mistakes but our opponent forced us to make these mistakes and that was the main cause for the defeat,” he said.
“Difficult circumstances back home meant that we had inadequate training so today we could not play on a par with a team such as Japan.”
China coach commends cohesionChina coach Guilherme Da Silveira was pleased with his side’s ruthlessness in attack as they put Turkmenistan to the sword with a convincing 6-2 win over Turkmenistan at IT University Complex on Monday and keep themselves in contention for a place in the last eight.
"The game turned out beautifully with lots of chances to score,” said the Brazilian.
“In the first half we found it difficult as Turkmenistan used their goalkeeper as the last defender.
“But my players were able to make the most of their chances and acted very cohesively. I can only congratulate them on their victory.”
Turkmenistan coach Victor Kurochkin felt the difference in class between the two sides proved telling.
"We tried, we fought as hard we could, but our opponents were simply stronger,” he said.
“We used the goalkeeper as the last defender because it was a tactical move, but, unfortunately, his mistakes led to the two missed goals.”
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The AFC.comGp B: We needed ‘wake-up call’ says ShamsTuesday, 25 May 2010Tashkent: Iran coach Hossein Shams hopes the nine-time AFC Futsal Championship winners' lethargic first-half performance against Australia was just a one off as they left it late to beat Australia 9-3 at Uzbekistan Sports Complex on Monday.
The defending champions struggled to open up an advantage in the first half as Australia battled hard to ensure they went into the break on level terms.
But Iran emerged after the break in dominant form and ultimately proved too much for their opponents as they booked their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
"In the first half we let our opponents play their strategy and tactics,” said Shams.
“Australia were really playing good but during the break I was able to wake up the guys, then they did all that was required of them. “
Australia coach Steven Knight, meanwhile, praised his players for more than matching their illustrious opponents throughout the first half.
"I am proud of my team,” he said. “Throughout the world there are few teams that can play with Iran on equal terms.
“We have achieved a draw in the first half, and that already says a lot. In the second half of the match the higher class of our opponent showed.”
The win for Iran means they are all but guaranteed first place in Group B but Australia play Tajikistan on Tuesday in a battle for second place.
Karmaletdinov lauds Tajik turnaroundTajikistan coach Damir Karmaletdinov struggled to contain his emotions as his side bounced back from a hefty opening day defeat to Iran with a 4-3 win over Kuwait at Uzbekistan Sports Complex.
The central Asians had slumped to a 19-2 defeat to Iran but successfully regrouped to record their first win in Group B.
“At the moment I am filled with emotion and I'm very happy to win,” said Karmaletdinov. “Now we will try to beat Australia and stay longer in Uzbekistan.”
Kuwait coach Eisa Saadoun bemoaned his side's lack of luck as they saw their chances of progressing to the next stage ended.
“Frankly, we were not lucky,” he sad. “Apparently fate has decided that we have lost all chances for entering the next stage of the tournament.”
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