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The AFC.comKyrgyzstan beat Indonesia 11 May 2008BANGKOK – Kyrgyzstan got their AFC Futsal Championship challenge off to a good start with a comfortable 5-1 Group A victory over a spirited Indonesia at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok.
Nurjan Djetybaev grabbed a brace as last year's semi-finalists eventually stamped their authority on proceedings after initially being made to work hard by their less talented opponents.
Indonesia had the game's first chance when Jailani Ladjanibi nipped in to round keeper Nikolay Shamonin only to see his effort blocked on the line.
But Kyrgyzstan then took the lead after seven minutes when Djetybaev fired the ball across the face of goal and Daniar Abdyraimov was on hand to poke home from close range.
Indonesia had a great chance to level when Deny Handoyo was fouled in the area but Jailani Ladjanibi drilled the resultant penalty wide of the right post.
Kyrgyzstan doubled their advantage when Djetybaev broke from defence and with only one Indonesia defender in his path, worked a neat one-two with Evgeny Malinin before applying the finish.
Djetybaev made it three early in the second period when he stretched to prod home Malinin's cross from the left after the latter had shrugged off a challenge and forged into the area and it became 4-0 soon after as Azamat Mendibaev tapped in Ulan Ryskulov's drive at the far post.
Indonesia pulled a goal back when Afif Tamimy squared for Topas Pamungkas to sidefoot home before Sukma Nagara netted Kyrgyzstan's fifth from his own half after Indonesia had committed keeper Yos Adi Wicaksono forward.
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The AFC.comUzbeks begin with a bang11 May 2008 BANGKOK - Hurshid Tajibaev netted a hat-trick as Uzbekistan romped to a 10-0 victory over Malaysia in the opening Group C fixture at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
Tajibaev was in inspirational form as the perennial challengers and third seeds, who finished runners-up in 2001 and 2006, stated their intent with Ilhmo Yusupdjanov (two), Nikolay Odushev, Umid Holmatov, Farruh Farhutdinov, Bahodir Ahmedov and Shuhrat Tojiboev also on target.
Malaysia, who had Mohamad Fuad Yusof sent-off, now face an uphill task to progress.
Uzbekistan were on top in a cagey opening 10 minutes before making their dominance tell in the second quarter with three goals.
Tajibaev whipped a left-foot shot round Devandran Supramanium and into the Malaysia net for the opener.
Farhutdinov hit the post before the Uzbeks netted a second when Tajibaev placed a right-foot shot into the bottom-right corner.
Malaysia were offered a lifeline when captain Addie Azwan Zanial was fouled but Mohamad Zaidi Zul Khapri hit the resulting penalty straight at Uzbekistan goalkeeper Rustam Umarov.
The miss was punished seconds later when Farhutdinov found Odushev who slotted in for Uzbekistan to take a 3-0 half-time lead.
Tajibaev struck his third after a neat turn and shot 90 seconds into the second period.
Farhutdinov hit the upright for a second time before Tajibaev crossed for Holmatov to convert.
Farhutdinov added a sixth from close range and Ahmedov struck a seventh.
Fuad was dismissed for two yellow cards and the relentless Uzbeks added goals from Yusupdjanov and Tojiboev.
There was cause for concern when Tajibaev was knocked over by Mohamad Firadaus Razali, the Malaysia substitute goalkeeper, and was forced off with 30 seconds remaining before Yusupdjanov completed the rout.
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The AFC.comPetrov unhappy despite big win 11 May 2008BANGKOK – Aleksandr Petrov insists there is plenty of room for improvement after watching his Uzbekistan side romp to a 10-0 defeat of Malaysia in their opening game of the AFC Futsal Championship at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
Hurshid Tajibaev netted a hat-trick and Uzbekistan scored seven times in the second half to take pole position in Group C, but Petrov was still not satisfied.
“We are happy with the result but we are not happy with the team performance,” he said.
“The first match is always very difficult and it's pleasing to score 10 goals, but we're not happy with the first half.”
Tajibaev scored twice in the first period, with Nikolay Odushev also on target, while Malaysia's Mohamad Zaidi Zul Khapri missed a penalty.
But Uzbekistan asserted their dominance in the second half with strikes from Tajibaev, Ilhmo Yusupdjanov (two), Umid Holmatov, Farruh Farhutdinov, Bahodir Ahmedov and Shuhrat Tojiboev.
Petrov, however, is adamant an improved display is required if Uzbekistan are to convert their tag of perennial challengers into title holders.
Tajibaev's inspirational performance aside, Petrov believes his players must step up in order to go one better than the runners-up spot they secured in 2001 and 2006.
“Not all the players played well,” added Petrov, whose side meet Korea Republic on Monday in their second game of the championship.
“Some of the players played a little bit lower than we expect.
“We hope if they can play at the same level we can be stronger.”
Malaysia coach Poothathamby Balakrishnan was a dejected figure but was quick to praise Uzbekistan.
However, he attributed his side's capitulation to numerous errors.
Malaysia struggled in both defence and attack and their misery was compounded when Mohamad Fuad Yusof was sent-off in the second half.
“We made a lot of mistakes,” said P Balakrishnan.
The Malaysia coach was happy with the display in the opening quarter, but Uzbekistan scored three goals in the final eight minutes of the first half before the flood gates opened in the second period.
“Today my players for the first 12 minutes they were playing very well,” he added.
“After that they became disorganised.”
P Balakrishnan is aware his side must improve quickly ahead of Monday's meeting with Lebanon, who are expected to duel for top spot in the pool with Uzbekistan.
“Tomorrow we have to get our game better to have any chance of going further in this championship,” he said.
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The AFC.comShams wants Kuwait to go through11 May 2008BANGKOK – Hossein Shams expects Kuwait to follow Iran into the knockout stages of the AFC Futsal Championship despite inflicting a convincing 12-0 defeat on his former team.
Shams, who was the Kuwait coach for three years, watched his Iran side put in a devastating performance as they opened their bid for a ninth title in 10 years, but he insists Kuwait will bounce back and progress from Group D.
“We believe Kuwait will be the second team in this group,” he said.
Vahid Shamsaee, Mohammad Taheri and Majid Raeisi each netted twice while Mohammad Reza Heidarian, Ali Ashgar Hassanzadeh, Javad Ashgari Moghaddam, Mohammad Hashem Zadeh, Mohammad Keshavarz Nasrabadi and Ali Ashgar Navlinghe were all on target for Iran, but Shams is positive Kuwait are improving all the time.
“I always consider the Kuwait team as my own team after coaching them for three years,” he added.
“They are a good team, but I think they need some more tactics.
“Given some more time, they will be much better.”
Shams has more than 50 systems at his disposal to break down the opposition and he was pleased with his team's display.
“All the players are following the instructions, that is why you see the beauty of our play,” he added.
“It is not exactly what we wanted to do and we have reserved some of the tactics for other games.”
Kuwait failed to trouble Iran but coach Naief Al Otaibi, who paid tribute to Shams, is adamant his side will progress to the last eight.
“This coach (Shams), he is the teacher for Kuwait futsal,” said Al Otaibi. “He gave us futsal.
“But our team must now grow up for the future, to improve and have good results in the future.”
Kuwait meet Tajikistan on Monday in their second game of the tournament and defeat will result in an early exit.
But Al Otaibi, who had written off the Iran contest when the draw was made, anticipates a win.
“I have confidence in my team,” he said.
“When I saw this group, I didn't think we could win against Iran.
“However, I believe in my team.
“In this tournament you play day by day and in our next game I hope to see a good performance from my team.”
Iran meet China on day two and Al Otaibi hopes Iran can continue their devastating goalscoring form.
“We hope Iran can help us to reach the quarter-finals,” he said.
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The AFC.comDjetybaev asks for improvement11 May 2008BANGKOK - Kyrgyzstan coach Nurtazin Djetybaev was not completely satisfied despite seeing his side outclass Indonesia 5-1 in their opening Group A game at the AFC Futsal Championship in Bangkok.
Two goals from Nurjan Djetybaev plus further strikes from Daniar Abdyraimov, Azamat Mendibaev and Sukma Nagara saw off the plucky Indonesians, for whom Topas Pamungkas grabbed a consolation, at Nimibutr Stadium.
But Justin Lhaksana's side stretched Kyrgyzstan in the early stages and wasted a number of opportunities, the chief culprit being Jailani Ladjanibi who missed from the spot after Deny Handoyo was fouled in the area.
And Djetybaev insisted it will be a much-improved display when they face Iraq on Monday, although he has not altered his expectations for the coming week.
"We have some small things that we need to improve on in the next match," he said. "We have prepared for this tournament very well. We are ready to win all games. We are aiming for the final."
Indonesia coach Justinus Lhaksana, on the other hand, was frustrated at what was a familiar story for his men.
"I'm very disappointed with our performance," he said. "The first game we always play badly, always, at any tournament. I think the score did not reflect the game. They were better, they deserved to win yes, but I think 4-3 or something like that would have been fairer.
"In the first half we put up more of a fight and if we'd scored the penalty, it would have been a different story. Their players were very consistent from the start, our performance was up and down.A few of the goals were totally unnecessary. They were basic mistakes but it happens. This is the game, you must rely on the performance of your players on the day."
Lhaksana was also left to rue Indonesia's lack of cutting edge. "I told them so many times, 'this is the first game, we don't get many chances.' We should take these chances and we failed."
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The AFC.comFacile win for Japan11 May 2008BANGKOK - Japan showed why they will be a force to be reckoned with at the AFC Futsal Championships with an 8-2 drubbing of Chinese Taipei at the Nimibutr Stadium.
One of the pre-tournament favourites, Sergio Sapo's side produced a dominant display in seeing off their lowly Group B opponents, with Yuki Kanayama and Kenichiro Kogure both scoring twice.
Japan went ahead in spectacular fashion when Daisuke Ono weaved his way across the pitch before rifling a right-footed shot into the top corner past keeper Pan Wei-chih.
They continued to rain shots down on Pan's goal as chance after chance went begging and they were made to pay for their profligacy when Chinese Taipei drew level against the run of play.
Chang Fu-hsiang beat Hisao Sadanaga in a race to the ball and the former rounded the Japanese keeper before rolling the ball into an empty net.
But Japan regained the lead when Kanayama was on hand at the back post to convert a low pass before Kogure's cross was sliced into his own net by a Chinese Taipei defender.
Yusuke Komiyama netted the fourth when his first-time strike from Kohei Harada's lay-off took a deflection before finding the top corner and Japan were cruising by the interval.
It was a similar story after the break. Kotaro Inaba made it 5-1 with a low, left-foot shot after he was allowed space to run and Kanayama grabbed his second with the simplest of tap-ins into an empty net from Kogure's cut-back.
Kogure then netted Japan's seventh with a fine effort, twisting and turning to wrong-foot two defenders before drilling home a left-foot shot.
Chang claimed his and Chinese Taipei's second goal when he bundled home after a long ball had caught the Japanese defence napping but Kogure bagged a brace with a low shot that found its way under Pan.
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The AFC.comIran rout Kuwait11 May 2008BANGKOK – Reigning champions Iran opened their bid for a ninth AFC Futsal Championship title with a resounding 12-0 Group D success over Kuwait at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
Vahid Shamsaee, Mohammad Taheri and Majid Raeisi each netted twice while Mohammad Reza Heidarian, Ali Ashgar Hassanzadeh, Javad Ashgari Moghaddam, Mohammad Hashem Zadeh, Mohammad Keshavarz Nasrabadi and Ali Ashgar Navlinghe were all on target in a devastating display by the top seeds.
Kuwait failed to trouble Iran, who have won eight out of nine tournaments, a run punctuated only by Japan's victory in Tashkent in 2006.
Hossein Shams' side peppered the Kuwait goal in the early stages but could find no way past goalkeeper Sayyedhasan Ebraheem.
Iran were camped in the Kuwait half but the defence stood firm until Heidarian tucked in Taheri's cross midway through the first half.
Taheri struck a second within a minute, lashing a fierce right-foot shot high into the net.
Ebraheem made a good stop low to his left to deny Kazem Mohammadi Tirabadi before J Ashgari Moghaddam surged down the left and teed-up Raeisi.
Shamsaee cut in from the left to whip in a right-foot shot for his first before turning creator, laying on a tap in for Hassanzadeh as Iran took a 5-0 half-time advantage.
Ashgari Moghaddam prodded in early in the second half and M Hashem Zadeh struck a seventh soon after.
Heidarian set up Taheri for his second before Keshavarz drove down the centre and struck a rasping shot which went in off the bar.
Navlinghe made it 10 before Shamsaee netted his second with Raeisi following suit.
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The AFC.comSapo calls for greater focus11 May 2008BANGKOK - Japan coach Sergio Sapo was a happy man after seeing his side demolish Chinese Taipei 8-2 in their opening Group B game at the AFC Futsal Championships.
Yuki Kanayama and Kenichiro Kogure both scored twice as Japan lived up to their tag as one of the pre-tournament favourites with an impressive performance at Nimibutr Stadium that saw them create a host of chances and produce some slick inter-play.
Chinese Taipei did briefly threaten an upset when they drew level as Chang Fu-hsiang took advantage of an error of judgement by Hisao Sadanaga to round the Japan keeper and score into an empty net.
But the result was never really in doubt once Sapo's side had gone ahead for a second time, much to the Brazilian's delight.
"It was a wonderful win for us," he said.
"It's always difficult when you play the first game. Even though the players are experienced or whatever, it's very difficult. It could have gone more smoothly but yeah, it's a wonderful win."
Of slight concern were the manner in which Japan conceded their two goals as they seemed to switch off momentarily and allow Chinese Taipei to take advantage.
And Sapo called for greater focus from his side as the tournament progresses. "They were easy mistakes and should not have happened," he added. "We won big but they were easy mistakes. I said at half-time it's just concentration. Just concentrate on the game and it's never going to happen.
"We are 100% ready physically and mentally at the moment for the tournament."
Chinese Taipei coach Chen Kuel-jen could be forgiven for being a touch downcast after the result but instead felt his side can still enjoy some degree of success over the next two days. "Our attacking play was good," he said.
"Our defence is usually our best aspect but against other teams, we will do better if we can use our speed to score. I think that is the best way for us.
"Sometimes we're making mistakes, we miss the ball. They are our mistakes so maybe we will do better if we can cut them out and then score."
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The AFC.comThailand edge Iraq11 May 2008BANGKOK - Panuwa Janta helped Thailand to get off to a winning start in the AFC Futsal Championship after he netted the only goal in a 1-0 Group B victory over a stubborn Iraq side in front of a raucous crowd at Nimibutr Stadium.
Despite enjoying the majority of the possession and plenty of chances, the hosts found Iraq keeper Utaly Abdulqader in inspired form, while his defence produced a number of last-ditch tackles to keep them in the game.
Thailand made most of the early running with Abdulqader mainly keeping the hosts, and Panuwa Janta, at bay almost single-handedly.
But Janta eventually made the breakthrough with an impressive strike, smashing a left-foot shot into the roof of the net after some neat approach play that left Abdulqader with no chance as he watched the ball fly past him.
Abdulqader then did well to beat out a ferocious volley from Prasert Innui, who went close again as the half drew to a close.
The Iraq keeper made a smart stop to keep out Ekkaphan Suratsawang at the start of the second period as he continued to deny Thailand before Innui fired over on the turn from close-range.
Iraq were always a threat on the break with Hussein Ali going close before Abdulqader produced another fine save when closing down Suratsawang after Thailand had worked an opening.
Iraq saw a late free-kick fly narrowly over the bar but they could not find an equaliser as Thailand held on, much to the home fans' delight.
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The AFC.comAtwi snatches point for Lebanon11 May 2008BANGKOK – Hayssam Atwi equalised with 30 seconds remaining as Lebanon rescued a 5-5 draw with Korea Republic in Group C of the AFC Futsal Championship at Hua Mark Stadium.
It capped a fine comeback for Lebanon, who were 5-2 down with less than 90 seconds left.
Korea had led through goals from Jung Hae-hyuck, Sin Han-kook, Kang Hyun-uk, an own goal and Kim In-woo, but a weary Lebanon, who arrived on the eve of the tournament after an arduous two-day journey from their conflict-ravaged homeland, bounced back to claim a draw.
Jung Hae-hyuck's shot crept under goalkeeper Rabie El Kakhi as Korea opened the scoring, while Park Jun-huk was in inspirational form to deny Lebanon at the other end.
Park denied Khaled Takaji and Said and, just as Lebanon seemed like they were going to get back into the game, Korea netted a second.
Sin dispossessed Lebanon captain Rabih Abou Chaaya and drove a shot high into the goal.
Lebanon pulled one back when they were awarded a penalty for Korea's sixth foul and Serge Said netted a rapier-like shot.
Jung Hyuk latched on to a loose ball and crossed for Kang to convert as Korea reclaimed a two-goal advantage early in the second period.
An unfortunate deflection off Abou Chaaya beat El Kakhi to extend Korea's lead but Lebanon pulled one back after a goal-line scramble involving Korea captain Song Ho-young and Takaji.
Park saved well from Mahmoud Itani and Takaji before Kim tucked in Jung Hyuk's centre.
Takaji flashed in a drive with one minute 12 seconds left and Itani added a fourth with less than a minute left.
Atwi then turned and shot to level and salvage a point.
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The AFC.comWe deserved a point: Zakhour11 May 2008BANGKOK – Dory Zakhour was relieved after his Lebanon side scored three times late on to rescue a 5-5 draw with Korea Republic in the AFC Futsal Championship at Hua Mark Stadium.
Mahmoud Itani, Khaled Takaji and Hayssam Atwi netted inside the final 90 seconds as a weary Lebanon, who travelled to the tournament despite a conflict raging in their homeland, came back from 5-2 down to claim a draw.
“Our team has to play at our best as we have a very bad situation in our country and I thank God for finishing at 5-5,” said Zakhour.
Lebanon had dominated for much of the opening period but were 2-1 down at half-time after Serge Said netted a penalty late in the first half.
Korea extended their advantage but Atwi's strike 30 seconds from the end capped a fine comeback.
Zakhour believes the two-day journey from Beirut had contributed to the sluggish start but he is sure the point was well-deserved.
“Our players were very, very tired after a two-day journey,” he added.
“But we had many chances to score and we deserved the draw.”
Korea had looked certain to open their campaign with a win after goals from Jung Hae-hyuck, Sin Han-kook, Kang Hyun-uk, an own goal and Kim In-woo.
And the late comeback from Lebanon left Korea coach Jeong Jin-hyuk disappointed.
“Yes, it feels like a defeat,” said Jeong.
“We missed a very, very good chance to claim a victory in this match, but all the players did their best.”
Korea will seek to overcome the disappointment against Uzbekistan on Monday.
The Uzbeks romped to a 10-0 defeat of Malaysia in the opening Group C fixture on Sunday.
“It is clear we must play better to beat Uzbekistan, but we are capable of an improved performance,” added Jeong.
Zakhour is also aware his Lebanon side, who meet Malaysia on day two, must improve in order to live up to their pre-tournament billing as potential semi-finalists.
But he is confident of two wins out of two in the remaining games.
“We have to play better,” he added. “We must top the group.”
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The AFC.comThai coach rues missed chances 11 May 2008BANGKOK - Coach Josè Maria Pazos Mendez pulled no punches after seeing Thailand waste a host of chances in the 1-0 Group A victory over Iraq at Nimibutr Stadium.
Panuwa Janta scored the only goal of the game with a fierce left-foot strike that left keeper Utaly Abdulqader a mere spectator.
The Iraq custodian otherwise kept the hosts at bay with an inspired performance that featured a string of fine saves but his compatriots were unable to find an equaliser at the other end.
However, while Mendez highlighted the role Abdulqader played, he was more disappointed with his side's inability to kill off the encounter.
"I'm happy with the result yes but not with the game," he said. “We will not go far if we play like that. We didn't play well today and missed a lot of chances. You cannot do this. The Iraq keeper did very well but we have to cut out the nervous finishing.
"It's true that you cannot always play well but you need to take your chances.
"When you play a team like Iraq, you need to play fast and we played too slow. It helped their defence. It was a difficult game and it was not good going into the final minutes with just a one-goal advantage.
"We did not show anything. The first game is always difficult and I only hope we have all the nerves out of the way and we start to play and forget today. The one positive is the victory."
Iraq coach Asaad Al-Hamdani, by contrast, was delighted with his side's effort and also paid tribute to Abdulqader.
"The result was expected due to the gap between Iraq and Thailand. They are more experienced than us and we played well. I knows that we have the best goalkeeper in Asia according to what I have seen. It is not the first he has played well and I am very proud of him."
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The AFC.comAussies begin in style11 May 2008BANGKOK - Australia came from a goal down to see off Turkmenistan 3-1 in their opening AFC Futsal Group B encounter at Nimibutr Stadium.
After a slow start during which they fell behind, Gregory Giovenali, Christopher Zeballos and Adrian Vizzari scored a goal apiece to get Scott Gilligan's side off on the right foot.
Turkmenistan took an unexpected lead when Ahmed Allabrediyev beat keeper Peter Spathis with a powerful shot from a tight angle near the touchline.
Australia looked for an immediate reply and skipper Lachlan Wright stung keeper Ildar Tashliyev's hands with a low drive.
Fernando de Moraes then brought another good save from Tashliyev after working himself an opening before Gilligan's men did eventually find an equaliser
Giovenali forced Tashliyev to tip a swerving effort over the bar and from the resulting corner, the same player collected the ball before striding forward and drilling the ball low into the bottom corner.
Spathis then brought the crowd to its feet with a run down the right that ended with a powerful shot that Tashliyev parried.
And the Turkmenistan keeper was called into action early in the second half with a great save to deny Christopher Zeballos.
But Australia finally went ahead when Tashliyev pushed away a fierce strike and Zeballos gleefully accepted the rebound.
Vizzari then rattled the bar with a free-kick before his free shot at goal was well saved by Tashliyev. But he made amends at the death with a delicate chip over the Turkmenistan keeper to seal the victory.
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The AFC.comGilligan relieved after breaking jinx11 May 2008BANGKOK - Australia coach Scott Gilligan was a relieved man to see his side come from a goal down to overcome Turkmenistan 3-1 and start their AFCFutsal Championship assault off on a winning note at Nimibutr Stadium.
A goal each from Gregory Giovenali, Christopher Zeballos and Adrian Vizzari ensured the Australians bounced back from falling behind to Ahmed Allabrediyev's long-range shot from near the touchline and join Japan at the top of Group B.
Gilligan was particularly pleased given his side are traditionally slow starters since entering the competition in 2006 and the triumph also avenged their loss to the same opponents last year.
"This is our third time at the Asian Championships and the first game we've always lost - we lost to Turkmenistan last year - so it was very pleasing tosee the boys to show their character to come back and win the game," he said.
"They stepped it up. I think we can go a bit further but I was very pleased to get that three points because the first game is always the stressful game."
Turkmenistan coach Eldar Ramazanov was not too downhearted despite seeing his side relinquish their early lead. "Of course I'm disappointed to lose," he said."I thank our opponents, they are very good, it was a good game but unfortunately we lost."
But I believe in my team and I think they played very well. There was some moments that did not work out as well as I wanted them to but still, I'm very pleased with them."
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The AFC.comThais taking nothing for granted11 May 2008BANGKOK - Thailand coach Josè Maria Pazos Mendez believes Indonesia will provide a tough test as they look to take a big step towards the quarter-finals of the AFC Futsal Championships on Monday, but expects a far better performance than in the victory over Iraq.
The hosts missed a hatful of chances in their opening Group A game, much to the Spaniard's anger, before triumphing 1-0.
Indonesia come into the game on the back of a 5-1 trouncing by Kyrgyzstan but Mendez is taking nothing for granted.
"It's a difficult game for us because all the games are difficult," he said.
"But Indonesia try to play a more attacking style, which is better for us and hopefully better for the fans. I think they played well in the first-half (against Kyrgyzstan), but in the second half their heads went down. It was a close game until early in the second-half."
With four places on offer in this year's World Cup in Brazil for the semi-finalists, Mendez in targeting a last-four spot but admitted Thailand, who are considered one of the tournament's stronger teams, will have to improve if they are to realise their ambition.
"Iran and Japan will claim two so we must fight for the other two places," he added. "But we will not get to the World Cup playing like we did against Iraq."
Justinus Lhaksana, meanwhile, has set his sights somewhat lower and the Indonesia coach would be happy just to match their rivals.
"It will be very tough against Thailand," he said. "If we can get a point, that will be an achievement. This week they played some friendly games, they easily beat Korea Republic and Malaysia, they have a Spanish coach and they are peaking now.
"Hopefully we can play freely, we have nothing to lose, and show that we can play. "I'm more concerned with a good performance than the score. "This tournament is very important for us because we are a young team and we are looking to get more experience."
Kyrgyzstan take on Iraq in the other game also looking to consolidate their last eight hopes.
While they comfortably outclassed Indonesia, coach Nurtazin Djetybaev still expects his side to lift their game against the Middle Eastern outfit.
"I think the game will be harder against Iraq but I also think that our players will play much better," he said. "We will produce a better performance."
Iraq chief Asaad Al-Hamdani still harbours hopes of going through to the quarter-finals but knows anything less than victory will scupper their chances.
"It is possible, we will try our best," he said. "I saw a Thailand team that is a good team and Kyrgyzstan will be a similarly tough match. But we will try to cut out any mistakes and fight in the same way."
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The AFC.comEasy for China11 May 2008BANGKOK – China strolled to a 9-0 success over Tajikistan in Group D of the AFC Futsal Championship.
China demonstrated their credentials with six first-half goals before easing off in the second period in a match switched to Nimibutr Stadium due to a leaking roof at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
Zhang Xiao and Li Xin each scored twice and Liang Shuang, Hu Jie, Wu Zhuoxi, Zhang Jiong and Zhang Xi also netted as Farinha's troops warmed up for Monday's meeting with top seeds Iran in style.
Liang struck a ferocious drive to open the scoring for China in the opening 30 seconds.
Hu added a second moments later, finding the bottom-right corner with an accurate shot.
China extended their lead through Li's delightful chip before Zhang Xiao turned and executed a finely-weighted lob of Tajikistan goalkeeper Mirali Sharipov.
Zhang Xiao added his second and China's fifth from the penalty spot after Tajikistan's sixth foul.
Sharipov saved a long-range penalty from Zhang Xiao but then fouled the China player on the follow up, resulting in a spot-kick on the edge of the box.
Wu stepped up and drilled the ball into the back of the net.
Wu hit the bar with the goal at his mercy early in the second period and Tajikistan held firm until Farinha called a time-out with 11 minutes 32 seconds remaining.
Seconds later Zhang Jiong slotted the ball beneath Sharipov for China's seventh and the first goal of the half.
Li added his second, bundling the ball in from close range, before good interplay from Wu and Zhang Xi saw the later add a ninth.
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The AFC.comFarinha praises teamwork12 May 2008BANGKOK – Farinha was surprised by the margin of victory as his China side opened their AFC Futsal Championship campaign in fine style with a 9-0 defeat of Tajikistan.
China, who only defeated Tajikistan 1-0 at the Asia Indoor Games, eased to victory with Zhang Xiao and Li Xin each scoring twice and Liang Shuang, Hu Jie, Wu Zhuoxi, Zhang Jiong and Zhang Xi also on target.
“I did not expect a goal difference like this,” said Farinha. “I'm very happy - my players did more than I expect so I'm very pleased with them.”
China netted six first-half goals before easing off in the second period in a match switched to Nimibutr Stadium due to a leaking roof at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
And the quick start was key, according to Farinha.
“I have asked many times for us to start well and to press the opponent from the very beginning and they did that wonderfully well,” he added.
“The good beginning gave us a very good feeling.
“Everyone was moving and shooting and the team work was the main thing.”
China meet Iran on Monday and Farinha knows his team are underdogs.
“Tomorrow is a completely different game and of course Iran are the best team in Asia,” he added.
“But the idea is the same, to try to press them in the very beginning and try to have as good a start as possible.
“Our system will not change.”
Farinha praised his players after the late change in venue.
“The mind preparation was excellent, perfect,” he added.
“During the delay, the players stayed active and concentrated on the game.
“But you could see the change affected Tajikistan – you could see it in their faces.”
Damir Kamaletdinov described Tajikistan's performance as “not good”.
Tajikistan failed to test China goalkeeper Zheng Tao, but showed signs of improvement in the second half.
And Kamaletdinov praised China for their display.
“China today played at a much higher level than Tajikistan,” he said.
“They have improved a lot and have some very good players.
“They are very strong.”
Courtesy:
The AFC.comShams aims another goal feast12 May 2008BANGKOK – Hossein Shams has warned Iran's rivals that he has many more plans up his sleeve in a bid to secure a ninth AFC Futsal Championship title.
Shams, who has overseen four of Iran's eight continental victories, winning in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2007, guided Team Melli to a 12-0 opening-day romp over Kuwait to go top of Group D.
The tournament favourites and top seeds put in a fabulous display of team work but Shams insists there is more to come.
“We have some other strategies which will be presenting tomorrow and the game we play will be completely different from today,” said Shams.
Shams' only focus is on another convincing victory.
“We will try to score more goals tomorrow and the day after tomorrow and we will see a good result,” he said.
Iran meet China on day two.
Farinha's team romped to a 9-0 success over Tajikistan late on Sunday in a match switched to Nimibutr Stadium due to a leaking roof at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
But the delayed kick-off did not affect China as they netted six first-half goals.
However, Farinha believes Iran remain favourites.
“In the AFC Cups, only Japan has beaten them - once in 10 years,” he said.
“But I want us to have a very good game to show a good performance and maybe if we do very well we can draw.
“The most important thing for me is we can have a very close game.”
The key will be a good start, according to Farinha.
“We must press them, but they are so good,” he said.
“We must start as well as possible.”
Shams has tipped Kuwait, who meet Tajikistan on day two, to follow Iran into the last eight, but China would now appear to be favourites.
However, Kuwait coach Naief Al Otaibi, who considers Shams his mentor, believes qualification is possible.
“I have confidence for my team,” Al Otaibi said.
“In this tournament you play better day by day and in our next game I hope to see a good performance from my team.”
However, Al Otaibi admitted Kuwait may need some assistance and hopes Iran can inflict heavy defeats on their Group D rivals.
Tajikistan coach Damir Kamaletdinov knows victory against Kuwait is a must.
“We play only for a win, otherwise we will be eliminated from the competition,” he said.
Kamaletdinov also believes China could upset Iran.
“China will provide a good test for Iran,” he said.
Courtesy:
The AFC.com Sapo warns against complacency12 May 2008BANGKOK - Japan coach Sergio Sapo is refusing to let complacency creep into his camp ahead of the AFC Futsal Group B clash with Turkmenistan despite their comfortable opening victory over Chinese Taipei.
Japan confirmed their position as one of the tournament favourites after drubbing their opponents 8-2 in a dominant display and will be anticipating picking up another three points on Monday.
But Sapo would not be drawn on how his side would fair against a side that lost out 3-1 to Australia as they look to cement their last-eight berth.
"You can say it's always difficult before the match but after it starts, we'll see what we can do," said the Brazilian.
Sapo also confirmed that Daisuke Ono did not come out for the second half of the Chinese Taipei victory as a precautionary measure.
Ono, who opened the scoring, took another knock to a knee injury first picked up back home but the Brazilian confirmed will be fit to face Turkmenistan.
"He did not play in the second half as he had picked up a knee injury in Japan and got hit in the same place, so we decided to take it easy with him." Sapo added.
Turkmenistan may now face an uphill struggle to reach the last eight and not many will give them much of a chance against the Japanese.
But coach Eldar Ramazanov insisted he was not giving up hope just yet.
"There is a great saying in Turkmenistan; 'If you don't believe in winning, you've already lost,' he said.
Australia face Chinese Taipei also heavy favourites to take a big step towards the knockout phase.
But coach Scott Gilligan echoed his Japanese counterpart by insisting nobody will be taking their opponents lightly.
"Our goal was to win the first two games but we certainly can't rest on our laurels and think that we've already won the game," he said.
"I'm sure Taipei will believe they can win so we certainly can't take them lightly and we'll go into the game just like we did against Turkmenistan. We lift our game and hopefully we can get the result.
"We have two goals. One is winning the quarter-final - and then after that it's a whole new ball game, anything can happen - but the first was winning our first two games."
Chinese Taipei supremo Chen Kuei-jen was less than optimistic about his side's chances, however.
"Australia's quality is better than us and it will be hard because the players will be more tired for the game," he said.
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luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com
