Courtesy: Tehran Times


Resurgent Iran holds Brazil, lifts Tehran futsal title

TEHRAN (MNA) -- Iran fought back to hold the three-time world futsal champion Brazil and win Peace and Friendship Cup here Friday.

Asia’s top goalscorer Vahid Shamsaei was the toast of Iran as he grabbed his hat-trick to help the home team hold the Brazilians to a 4-4 draw before over 6,000 passionate fans in the 12,000-seater hall of Azadi Sports Complex, west of Tehran.

Shamsaei netted once in the first half and added two more after the restart.

The two sides tied 1-1 before the break.

Kazem Mohammadi, in a spectacular solo effort, put Iran ahead four minutes into second half.

Iran had already defeated u-21 squad and Ukraine 7-4 and 6-2 respectively while Brazil had thrashed u-21 side 6-2 and tied with the Ukrainian team 3-3.

The five-time Asian champion Iran is prepping for 2004 world event in Taiwan.

Later, Iran’s under-21 team humbled Europe’s runner-up Ukraine 3-1, standing third in the four-sided tournament.