IRAN A STEP CLOSER TO THE SEMI-FINALS

KUALA LUMPUR (1 Feb 2008) – Iran took a step closer to a semi-final berth in the KL World 5s after their 6-1 victory over China in a crucial Group A match at the Stadium Negara today.

The Asian champion will play Thailand in their final preliminary round match later in the evening in an encounter which will decide who will accompany group leader Brazil into the knock-out stage.

The indications are there that Iran are the favourite to do so, after their opening loss to Brazil they have won their next two matches with victory over Holland and today against China.

The Chinese held firm at the beginning, but after 14 minutes their defense was breached by Ali Hassanzadeh, and then Vahid Shamsaee made it 2-0 in the 15th min.

Javad Moghaddam added the third goal in the 18th min for the Iranians to go into the break with a healthy 3-0 lead.

Goal No 4 for Iran came in the 24th min courtesy of Hassanzadeh again, and then Shamsaee collected his second goal of the day in the 32nd min for Iran to take a 5-0 lead.

The sixth goal for Iran was scored by Mohammad Keshavari in the 35th min. China managed a consolation goal when Liang Shuang scored for his team in the 36th min.

Said China's coach, Brazilian Guilherme Da Silveira: “To play against a team in the top five bracket in the world and lose 6-1 is no shame. In fact, I am proud of my team, especially their second-half performance where we pressed the Iranians hard and created scoring chances.

"But we still need to learn and the most valuable lesson we picked up here in KL, which is to stay calm and composed, especially when we are in a scoring position. The great teams in the world have the extra ability to remain cool all the time.

"But China's progress is encouraging. We are getting better with each match and once our domestic league improves further with ten teams taking part instead of six now, things will get even better."

Said Iran's coach Hossein Shams:" It's obvious we are saving ourselves for the match against Thailand. But China also gave us problems today. They have improved so much from the last time we played them six months ago.”





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