Courtesy: The AFC.com


Big wins, Iran style

Monday, 24 May 2010

Iran’s merciless demolition of Tajikistan in their AFC Futsal Championship opening game is of a piece with their massive victories in the group stages since the inaugural edition in 1999.

Statistics reveal that it is something of a habit for the reigning champions, who will be gunning for their 10th title in the 11th instalment currently underway in Tashkent, to notch up double figure winning margins.

In 1999, Asia were given clear notice of Iran’s unmatched prowess in the shorter version of the game with a 29-0 defeat of Singapore, who failed to score. This is also the all-time record, which stands unmolested till today.

In the year 2000, Iran whipped Macau 22-0 before going close in the next edition to overtaking their own record when they brushed aside Singapore again 28-0.

Iran’s facile 17-0 win in 2002 over Malaysia was spectacularly put in the shade by Iraq’s 20-1 outclassing of Brunei.

It was the turn of Lebanon to taste Iran’s fury in 2003 though the 14-2 victory was a much diminished one by Team Melli’s high-octane standards.

The next two instalments saw Iran back at their rampaging best as they downed Cambodia 24-1 before making mincemeat of Bhutan 27-2. Again, Iran were two goals away from setting a new record.

In 2006, the only time when Iran have seen their iron-grip on the title prised open (by Japan), there was no indication that a historic upset was on the cards as Team Melli shredded Indonesia 20-1 in the group action.

Hapless Malaysia were next in line to get some food for thought in 2007 after succumbing to a 15-1 defeat.

Tajikistan, just like now, had little answer to Iran’s awesome firepower in 2008, and didn’t even have the consolation of answering back - unlike Sunday’s match when they managed two goals - as the Central Asians went down 14-0.


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