Courtesy: The AFC.com

Big guns survive treacherous group stage

16 May 2007

OSAKA: Each of the more fancied Asian futsal nations – Japan, IR Iran, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan - will line up in the AFC Futsal Championship 2007 quarter finals, but not before an unprecedented struggle through the first stage of the tournament.

Though each of the aforementioned teams topped their respective groups, neither enjoyed the total domination of their first stage opponents as they have done throughout the previous eight editions of the Championships.

In particular, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan’s places at the top of Groups B and C were not confirmed until the final match day.

The Uzbeks needed a dramatic last gasp win against highflying Thailand to avoid an unfavourable quarter final draw against Japan, having limped through their first two matches against Iraq and Kuwait.

Kyrgyzstan, semi finalists at the past two Championships, were only minutes away from a second placed finish in Group C.

Down 3-2 against AFC newcomers Australia with just seconds to play, the Kyrgyz have captain Jenish Mamatov’s 39th minute intervention to thank for avoiding the unenvied task of taking on IR Iran in the second round.

The Iranians, along with hosts Japan, were the only teams to escape from the group stage with a 100% record.

Though both teams did totally outclass their opponents on occasion (Japan downed the Philippines 16-0 and IR Iran defeated Malaysia 15-1), both were made to work hard for their results and were each given a scare by some tenacious group opponents.

Japan’s third outing against Tajikistan saw the reigning champions triumph 6-2, although in truth, the score line perhaps flattered the home side.

IR Iran’s opening day 8-4 win over qualifiers Lebanon was far from convincing, but such has been the form of the Lebanese, they loom as the real giant killers of the second phase.

Despite their marginal hiccups however, Japan and IR Iran, who share eight Championship crowns between them, are heavily favoured to progress right through to the showpiece match at the Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium on Saturday, 19 May.

“Japan is the best team in Asia,” was the frank admission of Hong Kong coach Wai Chung Tsang after his side had been trounced 8-0 by the tournament favourites.

“Attacking, defending, individual skill – Japan are the best team to learn from and I think that they are better than what they were last year.”

Indeed, the hosts have drawn praise from every quarter in response to their ominous early form, with IR Iran coach Shams Hossein conceding at yesterday’s post-match press conference that Japan were the team to beat - “I think that it will be us and Japan in the final.”

Without question, the surprise packet of the tournament has been West Asians Lebanon, who overcame a tough group featuring IR Iran, China PR and Malaysia to progress, and convincingly at that, to the final eight.

Perhaps the unluckiest quarter finalist is Thailand, who after looking so impressive in their opening two games was made to pay for their one lapse – a loss to Uzbekistan, by way of a final eight match up against Japan.

Australia and Tajikistan complete the final eight.

Both the Australians and the Tajik’s were underwhelming for large segments of the group stage, but also clinical enough when needed to deliver on their undoubted potential.

Australia’s opening day slip up to Turkmenistan almost cost them a match up against IR Iran tomorrow, while Tajikistan’s 2-2 draw with minnows the Philippines had Kamaletdinov Damir’s side sweating on the outcome of yesterday’s clash between the Philippines and Hong Kong.

So far, the AFC Futsal Championships 2007 has delivered on its promise of a more even competition, so much so that the margin between the top and bottom sides has been reduced to a mere crack from the chasm it once was.

Eight nations are on their way home and another four will join them tomorrow.

The big guns are still here, and beginning to fire, but the underdogs are ready to bite, as they have done throughout the tournament.



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