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The AFC.comWright ’tricks in Aussies’ victory12 May 2008BANGKOK - Lachlan Wright's hat-trick proved the highlight as Australia took a huge step towards the knockout stages of the AFC Futsal Championships with a 6-0 victory over Chinese Taipei at Nimibutr Stadium.
Despite having keeper Peter Spathis sent off, Wright's treble plus goals from Adrian Vizzari, Christian Zeballos and an own goal gave Scott Gilligan's side a comfortable Group B win.
Australia looked most likely to open the scoring as first Simon Keith rattled the woodwork from distance and Vizzari got the ball stuck in his feet when he looked odds on to score.
But disaster struck when Chang Fu-hsaing raced clear and rounded Spathis only to be brought down by the Australian keeper, who was shown a red card for his trouble, and bringing replacement stopper Gavin O'Brien into the fray.
Temporarily down to three men, Gilligan's men weathered the storm before going ahead when Fang Ching-jen stabbed Fernando de Moraes' cross into his own net.
Australia doubled their advantage before the break when, after good build-up work, an unmarked Wright collected a pass before firing home on the turn.
Wright grabbed his second and Australia's third soon after the interval when he strode forward and found the back of the net with a low shot and Vizzari pounced from close range to net the fourth via the underside of the bar.
Wright then completed his hat-trick when he cut in from the right before drilling a left-foot shot into the top corner past substitute keeper Pan Wei-chih.
O'Brien made a good late save to deny Lin Po-yuan and Chang hit the post after creating an opening for himself before Christopher Zeballos ran down the left wing and dispatched a left-foot shot into the top corner.
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The AFC.comTajikistan record first win12 May 2008BANGKOK - Tajikistan defeated Kuwait 6-4 to secure their first win of the AFC Futsal Championship and maintain their hopes of quarter-final qualification.
Firdavs Faizullaev and Alisher Oulmassov each scored twice with Obidjon Ismoilov and Sherzod Jumaev also netting while Hamed Al Otaibi, Mohammad Al Naqi, Meshari Al Nakkas and Hamed Al Othman replied for Kuwait, who are bottom of Group D after two losses.
Tajikistan will eagerly await the result between China and top seeds Iran, who they face in their final group game on Tuesday.
Kuwait and Tajikistan had both been on the wrong end of drubbings on the opening day and Tajikistan started the stronger with Faizullaev opening the scoring from close range.
Faizullaev's beautifully-weighted through ball found Ismoilov who doubled the lead after 10 minutes and Oulmassov capitalised on a defensive lapse for a third shortly afterwards.
Kuwait pulled a goal back when Al Othman's free-kick was stabbed in at the back post by Al Otaibi.
Jumaev hit the post at the other end before Faizullaev slotted in for Tajikistan's fourth.
Al Naqi netted from close range as Kuwait reduced the deficit to two in a frantic end to the first half.
The resilient Tajikistan defence repelled everything Kuwait threw at them early in the second half, while Oulmassov netted a scrappy fifth on the break.
Al Nakkas drilled in an unopposed free-kick after Oulmassov's foul on Al Otaibi to reduce the arrears to two with five minutes remaining.
Oulmassov made amends almost immediately, teeing-up Jumaev to tap in after a swift counter-attack.
Captain Al Othman netted a penalty for Kuwait with one minute 44 seconds remaining after Tajikistan's sixth foul but it was too late.
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The AFC.comComplacency cost us: Otaibi12 May 2008BANGKOK – Naief Al Otaibi believes his Kuwait side underestimated Tajikistan in the 6-4 defeat which almost certainly means an early exit from the AFC Futsal Championship.
Tajikistan suffered a 9-0 loss to China on the opening day in a delayed contest which was switched to Nimibutr Stadium due to a leaking roof at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
Kuwait had lost 12-0 to Iran on Sunday but were still tipped by Team Melli coach Hossein Shams to reach the knockout stages, but complacency crept into their display against Tajikistan.
Firdavs Faizullaev and Alisher Oulmassov each scored twice in Tajikistan's victory as the action returned to Hua Mark Indoor Stadium on Monday.
“My team thought it would be easy after Tajikistan lost 9-0 to China,” said Al Otaibi.
“But every game is very difficult in this tournament. Our players must understand that.”
Al Otaibi was buoyed by Kuwait's display in the second period, which they drew 2-2.
“I'm pleased with the second-half performance of my team,” he added. “They played well, but we need to play well more often.
“We need more time. We only have two or three experienced players – we're not a dream team.
“It's an important learning experience for my team and for me.”
And Al Otaibi challenged his Kuwait side, who qualified for this competition, to be competitive in the future.
He added: “If we want to stay in the AFC tournaments, we must rise to the level.”
And he hopes they can step up against China on Tuesday. “I want this challenge,” he added.
Tajikistan coach Damir Kamaletdinov was frustrated that the formidable challenge of Iran lies in wait with victory required to secure qualification for the quarter-finals.
“Iran – they are too good,” he said.
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The AFC.comHosts hammer Indonesia12 May 2008BANGKOK - Thailand secured their second win in Group A of the AFC Futsal Championships with an 11-0 thrashing of Indonesia.
Coach Jose Maria Parzos Mendez had called for a much-improved performance from the 1-0 victory over Iraq and the Spaniard certainly got one as Thailand ran riot with Anucha Munjarern helping himself to four goals.
Anucha opened the scoring after five minutes when he surged down the right before finding the back of the net with a powerful strike.
Indonesia had a chance to hit back but Topas Pamungkas could only steer an effort wide when stretching to reach Sayan Karmadi's dangerous ball to the back post.
Prasert Innui then blazed over for Thailand when well placed before the hosts doubled their advantage when a combination of Sermphan Khumthinkaew and an Indonesian defender bundled home Panomkorn Saisorn's cross.
A slick build-up for Thailand's third goal culminated in a neat one-two between Anucha and Panuwa Janta to which the former applied the finishing touch before Natthapon Suttiroj pounced for the fourth when the ball squirmed out of keeper Ade Lesmana's grasp.
Indonesia then hit the bar when Jailani Ladjanibi attempted an elaborate finish before Sermphan tapped in Panuwa's driven cross to make it 5-0.
Panuwa then got on the score sheet himself before Anucha completed his four-goal haul by first dispatching a rebound and then finishing well from a tight angle after Lesmana had committed himself.
Tanakorn Santanaprasit netted the ninth when Ukrit Taentung found Panomkorn and he in turn fed his team-mate, who smashed the ball into an inviting net before producing an almost identical finish for his second and Thailand's tenth.
Panomkorn then crossed for Ukrit to complete the rout in the dying seconds.
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The AFC.comLebanon edge Malaysia12 May 2008BANGKOK - Unbeaten Lebanon kept their destiny in their own hands with a 6-4 triumph over Malaysia at the AFC Futsal Championship at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
Hayssam Atwi, who scored a late leveller as Lebanon secured a 5-5 draw with Korea Republic on day one, scored twice, while Khaled Takaji also netted a double.
Dory Zakhour's side, who travelled to the tournament despite a conflict breaking out in their homeland, now face Uzbekistan on Tuesday as they bid to secure top spot in Group C and avoid a potential last-eight fixture with top seeds Iran.
Malaysia, who lost 10-0 to Uzbekistan on Sunday, opened the scoring when Mohamad Ruzaley Abd Aziz drilled a diagonal shot into the net but Atwi struck from the right side of the area to equalise.
Takaji was felled by Muizzudin Mohamad Haris and Atwi calmly converted the resulting penalty for his second.
But Malaysia levelled on the break when Mohamad Fadzil Ab Karnim played in Ahmad Hanif Sarmin who finished with aplomb.
Serge Said fired wide from the penalty spot after Malaysia's sixth foul and Atwi had an effort blocked on the line.
Takaji squeezed a right-foot shot into the Malaysia net 40 seconds into the second period.
Addie Azwan Zainal then set up Muiz who swept in but Takaji netted his second to restore Lebanon's lead before Takaji turned provider for Said, who placed the ball into an empty net.
Lebanon goalkeeper Sarkis Askadjian fouled Mohamad Feroz Ab Karnim and Mohamad Zaidi Zul Khapri pulled one back from the resulting free-kick.
But Lebanon captain Rabih Abou Chaaya finished well to restore the two-goal advantage which they would not relinquish.
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The AFC.comAussies on target says Gilligan12 May 2008BANGKOK - Coach Scott Gilligan was happy to see Australia reach their first target in the 2008 AFC Futsal Championships with a 6-0 victory over Chinese Taipei but still underlined their determination to scale even greater heights.
Lachlan Wright netted a hat-trick at Nimibutr Satdium as Australia, who had keeper Peter Spathis sent-off for a professional foul, virtually booked their place in the quarter-finals with a comfortable triumph.
Gilligan's stated aim before the competition was to win the first two games in a bid to eventually qualify for the semi-finals and gain a place in the FIFA Futsal World Cup taking place in Brazil later in the year.
And after an opening success against Turkmenistan, it seems Australia will now face a showdown with Japan for top spot in Group B providing Sergio Saipo's team can replicate the green and gold's success.
"Mission accomplished - so far," said Gilligan.
"I knew initially they'd be a tough side to break down. We had to make sure we kept going at them.
"We started quite well and then obviously with our keeper getting sent off we had that two-minute spell were some of the better players were on the pitch and they got a little bit more tired and we took a little bit more
time after that to get the first goal.
"I think the important thing for us was to get that first goal and once we got it, we kicked on from there, particularly in the second half, once we got the fourth one they dropped a little."
After the 8-2 drubbing against Japan, it has been a tough tournament so far for Chinese Taipei and coach Chen Kuei-Jen recognised his side had been outclassed.
"Australia were as strong as Japan and maybe our team did not have enough ability and fitness," he said.
"Australia are a difficult team for us because we don't have as many players that are as strong or tall and their speed and their power was a problem for us.
"We are also tired and some of the player are getting hurt as it's the second game."
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The AFC.comDory delight at Lebanon progress12 May 2008BANGKOK – Dory Zakhour was thrilled with Lebanon's 6-4 triumph over Malaysia which maintains their hopes of claiming top spot in Group C of the AFC Futsal Championship.
Lebanon remain unbeaten after following up a late draw with Korea Republic on the opening day with their first victory of the tournament.
Hayssam Atwi and Khaled Takaji each scored twice as Lebanon set up a duel for first place in the standings with Uzbekistan, who defeated Malaysia 10-0 on day one, while Korea, who play the Uzbeks later on Monday, also remain in contention.
“We had to win today because tomorrow we play Uzbekistan for the top place in the group,” said Zakhour.
Zakhour is desperate to secure the first qualification place and avoid a last-eight meeting with Iran as the winners of the quarter-finals secure a place in the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil later this year.
The performance of his side was all the more pleasing for Zakhour with a conflict ongoing in Lebanon.
“Mentally, we're not in the best frame of mind, but we must pass this problem and try to win tomorrow against Uzbekistan,” he added.
Zakhour revealed that captain Rabih Abou Chaaya, Takaji and Mahmoud Itani are all playing through the pain barrier.
“We did well because we have some injured players – some of our best players,” he said.
Lebanon scored three times inside 90 seconds to draw against Korea and Zakhour believes the late result enabled his side to carry the momentum into Monday's encounter with Malaysia.
“It doesn't happen in futsal, scoring three goals in one minute,” he said.
“I said to our players that they played very well in the last two minutes of the first match, giving all they had.
“If we had one minute more yesterday, we would have won.”
Mohamad Ruzaley Abd Aziz, Ahmad Hanif Sarmin, Muizzudin Mohamad Haris and Mohamad Zaidi Zul Khapri netted for Malaysia, but it was not enough as they suffered their second loss of the competition.
Poothathamby Balakrishnan praised his team for a far superior display, but was left disappointed once more.
“I congratulate my counterpart and we did improve our performance, but it was not good enough,” he said.
“My players played their heart out but it was not good enough to win the match.”
Malaysia face Korea Republic on day three of the competition
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The AFC.comJapan through to last eight12 May 2008BANGKOK - Japan booked their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Futsal Championships courtesy of a hard-fought 4-1 Group B victory over Turkmenistan at Nimibutr Stadium.
Japan opened the scoring inside the first minute when Kenta Fujii produced a couple of feints to create half a yard of space before finding the back of the net with a low, left-foot shot.
Kenjii then turned provider to double his side's lead as he slipped a beautiful ball into Yusuke Inada, who produced a calm side-footed finish past keeper Ildar Tashliyev.
Japan then extended their advantage through Yuki Kanayama's ferocious strike from out on the right before things got even worse for Turkmenistan when Mihail Muhammedov was shown a red card for hacking down Kotaro Inaba.
Turkmenistan were more purposeful in the second half and after coming close on a number of occasions nearly pulled a goal back through Doveletmurad Annayev's shot only for it to hit Kanayama in the face when stood on the line.
Japan then made it 4-0 when Takeshi Kishimoto scored with a low shot before Turkmenistan pulled a goal back when Mekan Muhamedmuradov beat keeper Hisao Sadanaga at his near post.
The result means Japan will now take on Australia in their final group game on Tuesday with the winners claiming top spot in the standings.
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The AFC.comIran outline title credentials12 May 2008BANGKOK – Vahid Shamsaee scored twice as reigning champions Iran stepped up their pursuit of a ninth AFC Futsal Championship title with an 8-1 defeat of China.
Iran fought hard to break down China with Ali Asghar Hassanzade and Shamsaee each netting twice, while Mohammad Reza Heidarian, Majid Latifi, Kazem Mohammadi and Mohammad Taheri, who was sent-off for a second yellow card late on, were also on target.
It was yet another fearsome display by Hossein Shams' side, who defeated Kuwait 12-0 on Sunday and are top of Group D.
China, who suffered an 8-0 reverse to Team Melli in Japan last year, acquitted themselves well, harassing and haranguing in defence but they were starved of possession and worn down by the tournament favourites.
Taheri's blistering shot put Iran ahead after three minutes but China held firm until Shamsaee's inventive finish after nine minutes.
Shamsaee, with his back to goal, controlled a long ball from goalkeeper Mostafa Nazari on his chest and tucked the ball under advancing China stopper Zheng Tao.
China then had an effort disallowed after Nazari held on to the ball for four seconds resulting in an indirect free-kick.
Wu Zhuoxi passed the ball into the goal and thought the ball had taken a deflection, but the strike was ruled out by the officials.
China held firm until Zheng failed to hold Heidarian's shot and Hassanzade chipped in six minutes into the second half.
Seconds later Iran captain Heidarian was on target himself with a ferocious shot.
Shamsaee netted his second and Iran's fifth before Latifi slotted a sixth.
Hassanzade thundered in a seventh before Taheri was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Liang Shuang's shot crept under Nazari as China got on the scoresheet, but Mohammadi struck a left-foot volley for Iran's eighth.
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The AFC.comGoal fest masks Mendez concerns12 May 2008BANGKOK - Despite seeing his side demolish Indonesia 11-0, coach Jose Maria Pazos Mendez admitted he still has concerns over Thailand's firepower.
The hosts were thoroughly dominant as they made it two wins out of two in Group A of the AFC Futsal Championships with Anucha Munjarern netting four times at the Nimibutr Stadium to put them within touching distance of the knockout stage.
It was a marked improvement from the 1-0 victory over Iraq, where Thailand created a host of chances but were limited by a combination of inspired goalkeeping and woeful finishing.
But despite the rout, Mendez revealed he still has concerns over his side's profligacy.
"At the moment, I am worried about our attack because we had a lot of chances on goal and we need to create a lot of chances on goal to score goals," he said.
"In a very close game it can be very important, particularly against a big team.
This is my big worry, that we need many chances on goal to get goals."
Nevertheless, the Spaniard was still pleased with his side's display.
"We played much better today," he added.
"The result today was important for us, the team played without nerves, without the pressure that it had yesterday.
"I'm happy for the team. Not for the score, the score is not important, but for the feeling of today. I felt that the team grew up, it's a step-by-step process and it is important. We played a lot quicker."
Indonesia coach Justinus Lhaksana had wanted his players do themselves justice before the game and he was relatively satisfied at the final whistle despite the drubbing.
"Before the game we knew Thailand were a very strong team but 11-0 does not really reflect my team's performance," he said.
"We played well, much better than against Kyrgzystan. We had a few chances but we could not turn them into goals.
"I'm happy with the performance. I don't look at the score. We were more attacking and we opened up the game more."
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The AFC.comAttack and defence delights Shams12 May 2008BANGKOK – Hossein Shams lauded his Iran side after the reigning champions overcame China 8-1 in Group D of the AFC Futsal Championship.
Iran fought hard to break down China with Ali Asghar Hassanzade and Vahid Shamsaee each netting twice, while Mohammad Reza Heidarian, Majid Latifi, Kazem Mohammadi and Mohammad Taheri were also on target.
“China pressed us very well and it was hard work at the beginning of the game,” said Shams.
“But little by little we tried to find a solution and we tried to break down this press.”
It was yet another fearsome display by Hossein Shams' side, who defeated Kuwait 12-0 on Sunday and are top of Group D.
The Team Melli defence was only breached after Taheri was sent-off for a second yellow card late on and Liang Shuang scored.
Shams was delighted with the defence as well as the demonstration of attacking prowess.
“We did not concede a goal in the first half, and the second half, we conceded just a late goal,” he added.
Shams attributed the victory to his creative players and believes their individual brilliance will be key in the remainder of the tournament.
Shamsaee scored an exquisite goal to give Iran a two-goal half-time advantage.
With his back to goal, Shamsaee controlled a long ball from goalkeeper Mostafa Nazari on his chest and tucked the ball under advancing China stopper Zheng Tao.
Hassanzade and captain Heidarian also scored stunning strikes for the top seeds.
“We have many talented players and they are doing some things on their own, often by instinct in a special moment,” Shams said.
Farinha was not at all downbeat after the defeat, praising his China side for a resilient defensive display.
“We have to understand that Iran are the best team in Asia,” he said.
“I'm just happy that we could do well in the first half.
“I also think we did well in the second half – the difference is Iran are the best team in Asia and one of the best in the world.
“Coach Shams has done a very good job, they changed some things for the second half and started to have more chances.”
Farinha believes his side now know how to break down strong opposition.
“I'm very happy with my team and we had some shooting chances,” he added.
“Little by little the players are learning to have more possession against pressure.
“I'm proud of how much they ran, how much they tried.”
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The AFC.comSapo stresses more composure12 May 2008BANGKOK - Coach Sergio Sapo stressed his Japan side need show more composure in front of goal after they booked their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Futsal Championships with a 4-1 victory over Turkmenistan at Nimibutr Stadium.
Kenta Fujii, Yusuke Inada, Yuki Kanayama and Takeshi Kishimoto all got on the scoresheet for Japan as they built a commanding advantage before Mekan Muhamedmuradov pulled a goal back for Turkmenistan in a second-half during which they had the upper hand and missed several opportunities.
But Japan squandered plenty of chances of their own in the opening 20 minutes and Sapo urged his side to be more clinical as the tournament progresses.
"We should be more patient and calm down in front of the goal and then shoot," he said.
"The result was what we expected. We tried to do what we want to do on [on Tuesday] and we saved a few players for tomorrow in the second-half.
"We tried out a few of the things that we have to do against Australia which is why it was a close second half.
"We were also physically tired and a little sick so we kept really quiet in the second-half."
Turkmenistan coach Eldar Ramazanov, on the other hand, took comfort from the spirit his side showed after they went four goals behind.
"The first-half did not go as we wanted, it was kind of disappointing, but in the second half I believe we played better than Japan," he said.
"It was much better. We had good chances and we defended well."
After the 3-1 defeat to Australia, the result means Turkmenistan are now eliminated and Ramazanov was left to rue the sub-standard performance in their opening game.
"Against Australia, it was truly disappointing. We thought we would play better," he added.
Against Japan, we believed we could win and we did well in the second half but could not quite do it. I believe if we had played like we did in the second game in the first, we would have won it."
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The AFC.comKyrgyzstan cruise into quarters12 May 2008BANGKOK - Kyrgyzstan sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Futsal Championships with an emphatic 8-0 win over Iraq at Nimibutr Stadium.
Nurtazin Djetbaev's side now join Thailand in the last eight and the two will face each other on Tuesday to decide who finished top of Group A.
Kyrgyzstan looked the more threatening during a low-key opening and could have opened the scoring when Ulan Ryskulov broke and squared the ball to Emil Kanetov but he missed his kick with just the keeper to beat.
Nikolay Shamonin then made a smart double save before Talaibek Djumataev let fly with the outside of his right boot but his effort went narrowly wide.
But Kyrgyzstan took a half-time lead with a well-worked free-kick, Marat Duvanev shifting the ball to Nurjan Djetybaev who produced a low finish.
Duvanev was the architecht of his side's second goal as a cute flick on the left touchline set Evgeny Malanin away and he found the bottom corner of the net.
Djetybaev then crashed home Kyrgyzstan's third as Iraq seemed to be flagging although Ali Abdulhameed did hit the post after Shamonin had parried a free-kick.
Mihail Sundeev gave Djetbaev's men gave a four-goal lead when he took Azamat Mendibaev's in his stride and beat keeper Utayl Abdulqader from close range.
They made it 5-0 with another intelligent set-play as Daniar Abdyraimov's free-kick found Malinin in the corner and he fired a ball across the box for Djumataev to tap home.
Djumataev grabbed his second and Kyrgyzstan's sixth with another close-range finish before Dilshat Kadyrov also got in on the act.
Abdulhameed compounded Iraq's misery by sliding Duvanaev's centre into his own net to make it 8-0.
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The AFC.comUzbeks edge into knockout stage12 May 2008BANGKOK – Uzbekistan qualified for the quarter-finals of the AFC Futsal Championship following a narrow 4-3 win over Korea Republic at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
The much-fancied Uzbeks struggled to break down Korea, whose goalkeeper Park Jun-huk was in tremendous form, but eventually prevailed with two goals each for Farruh Farhutdinov and Nikolay Odushev.
Aleksandr Petrov's side now face Lebanon on Tuesday, bidding to secure top spot in Group C and avoid tournament favourites Iran in the last eight, while Korea could still qualify if they can claim a big win against Malaysia and Lebanon lose.
Farhutdinov opened the scoring with a powerful shot before Odushev bundled in a second as Uzbekistan took a two-goal lead.
But three goals in 75 seconds at the end of the first half turned the match in Korea's favour.
Lee Jong-yun cut in off the right and fired in a left-foot strike to pull one back.
Uzbekistan conceded their sixth foul and Jung Hyuk drilled the resulting spot kick into the top corner to level.
And Korea went ahead for the first time with two minutes nine seconds left in the period.
Jeun Jun-young's mazy run culminated in a shot which rebounded off the post and Sin Han-kook reacted first to tuck the ball away.
Farhutdinov showed great balance, determination and skill to round Korea goalkeeper Park Jun-huk and level two minutes into the second half.
Jung Hyuk was denied by Rustam Umarov when through one-on-one with the Uzbek goalkeeper while Park continued to perform heroics at the other end.
Park was equal to Umid Holmatov's effort but then Odushev engineered an opening four minutes from time.
Odushev drifted beyond two defenders before finding Farhutdinov who returned the ball to Odushev who had continued his run and tapped in.
Korea could not force an equaliser as Uzbekistan held on for a second win of the competition.
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The AFC.comImproved display delights Djetybaev12 May 2008Kyrgyzstan put in a better performance against Iraq than they did against Indonesia according to head coach Nurtazin Djetybaev.
BANGKOK - Kyrgyzstan coach Nurtazin Djetybaev hailed a much-improved display from his side as they trounced Iraq 8-0 at Nimibutr Stadium to book their place in the knockout stages of the AFC Futsal Championship.
Despite beating Indonesia 5-1 in their opening Group B game, Djetybaev was far from satisfied with Kyrgyzstan's performance.
After Iraq's narrow defeat to Thailand in their first encounter, a much-closer contest was anticipated only for the central Asian outfit to blow their opponents away and put a smile back on Djetybaev's face.
"I'm glad to make the quarter-finals," he said.
"Today's performance was much better then yesterday's because we had arrived after a long flight and the climate is not really familiar to us but now we are used to being here.
"Today our performance was much, much better.
"Everybody played very well and the team implemented all our tactics. That is why the score was so high."
Opposite number Asad Al Hamadani, however, was less impressed with his side's efforts and blamed a multitude of individual mistakes by his players for Iraq's heavy defeat.
"The result was very poor, it was down to a lot of mistakes by the players," he said.
“Comparing this game to the previous one against Thailand, Thailand is a strong team but the result was close due to no mistakes - unlike today."
Al Hamadani felt the fact his players did not reproduce the work-rate they showed against Thailand was another contributing feature of the rout.
"It was an open game today and the opposition could attack because there were plenty of open spaces," he added.
"In the first match against Thailand, we closed them down."
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The AFC.comPetrov unimpressed despite win12 May 2008BANGKOK – Aleksandr Petrov described Uzbekistan's 4-3 win as “our worst performance” despite securing qualification for the quarter-finals of the AFC Futsal Championship.
Nikolay Odushev's well-crafted winner secured a second straight win for Uzbekistan to go top of Group C, but Petrov was less than happy with the performance.
“It was our worst match, our worst performance,” Petrov said.
“We missed a lot of chances and it wasn't our real game.”
Odushev scored twice while Farruh Farhutdinov also netted a double, with Korea responding with three goals in 75 seconds at the end of the first half.
Petrov said only two of his players emerged with any credit from the win.
“I couldn't say my team played well – only two players played good enough, the goalkeeper, Rustam Umarov, and Farruh Farhutdinov,” he said.
“The others played at a low level.”
Petrov believes his side were fortunate to claim victory.
“The match could have gone either way,” he added. “We were very lucky.”
Hurshid Tajibaev - a scorer of three goals in the 10-0 win over Malaysia on day one - was absent for Uzbekistan and Petrov claimed his presence was missed.
“It was not our strongest side and it was very difficult to play without him,” Petrov said.
Korea overcame a two-goal deficit to take a half-time lead, but suffered another late blow a day after Lebanon secured a last-gasp draw on the opening day.
Coach Jeong Jin-hyuk was frustrated by a second late setback.
“The Uzbekistan team is very good at futsal, but we regret that we did not score at the right time,” said Jeong, who also criticised the officials for failing to award a penalty kick in the second half.
“We don't understand the referees' behaviour,” he said.
“If they had given us the second penalty kick we could have won.”
Korea suffered injuries to captain Song Ho-young and Sin Han-kook, who are both doubtful for the key fixture with Malaysia on Tuesday.
“Our captain Song Ho-young has injured his ankle – it is a big problem,” said Jeong.
“And key player Sin Han-kook has a very big problem with his back.
“He's in a very bad condition.”
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The AFC.comShams has faith in ‘special ones’12 May 2008BANGKOK – Iran plan to further demonstrate their AFC Futsal Championship title credentials in their final Group D match against Tajikistan on Tuesday.
“There is very good progress in this team,” head coach Hossein Shams said.
“We have some very special players and in futsal, what the players do is not just dependent on what the coach tells them, they need instinct.
“The players' personal technique is helping a lot.”
Team Melli, the reigning champions and winners of eight out of nine continental championships, put on an impressive display when put under pressure by China on day two.
China, 9-0 victors over Tajikistan on Sunday, harassed and harangued the top seeds, who could only take a 2-0 half-time lead.
But Shams' tactics, coupled with some individual brilliance saw Iran run out comfortable 8-1 winners.
And the veteran coach now has his sights set on a fifth personal crown, having overseen victories in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2007.
China, meanwhile, are in pole position to follow Iran into the quarter-finals, with Uzbekistan or Lebanon lying in wait, although coach Farinha refused to get complacent ahead of the final group game with bottom team Kuwait.
“Each game is a different situation,” he said.
“Kuwait will be fighting to win tomorrow and I believe the game will be difficult.
“If we can play the same level tomorrow as we did today, we have a chance to win, but I don't think it will be easy.
“We will need to play at least at the same level as we did today to qualify.”
The quarter-final winners earn a place at the FIFA Futsal World Cup later this year, but Farinha refused to get ahead of himself.
“The semi-final is my objective, but firstly, we must qualify for the quarter-final.
“It's very difficult, but we have done our best preparation and we will fight for the semi-final after that.”
Tajikistan have an outside chance of reaching the knockout stages after Monday's 6-4 win over Kuwait.
But coach Damir Kamaletdinov is not relishing the task.
“Iran, they are too strong,” he said.
Coach Naief Al Otaibi is out to restore pride when Kuwait finish their campaign against China.
The qualifiers, despite being tipped to progress by Iran coach Shams, suffered two losses in two matches.
“We need to learn how to win,” Al Otaibi said.
“We will try very hard for a win against China.”
Courtesy:
The AFC.comUzbeks aim for Group C top spot12 May 2008BANGKOK – Uzbekistan will bid to claim first place in Group C with victory over Lebanon on Tuesday at the AFC Futsal Championship.
Aleksandr Petrov's side, who have defeated Malaysia 10-0 and Korea Republic 4-3 in their two fixtures to date, have the added incentive of avoiding a quarter-final tie with Iran, who are set to top Group D barring a slip up against Tajikistan.
Uzbekistan, runners-up in 2001 and 2006, have failed to meet Petrov's high standards so far, but victory over Lebanon would secure a last-eight meeting with either China or Tajikistan.
Korea could also progress at Lebanon's expense, if they can claim a large winning margin against Malaysia and Petrov hopes to be able to do the East Asians a favour.
“Today Korea played better than Lebanon,” said Petrov.
“Tomorrow we will play for the win and then help the Korea team to qualify.
“And of course we want to win the group to avoid Iran.”
Korea have suffered two late setbacks, conceding three goals inside the last 90 seconds to draw 5-5 with Lebanon on day one and then falling to Nikolay Odushev's winner against Uzbekistan.
But coach Jeong Jin-hyuk is optimistic of an improved display against bottom team Malaysia.
“We will show a better condition tomorrow and we shall be better,” said Jeong, although his mission could be hampered by injuries to two key players.
Captain Song Ho-young has a concern with his ankle, while Sin Han-kook is a major worry with a back problem and Jeong is not sure if the duo will be fit to participate on Tuesday
Dory Zakhour believes his unbeaten Lebanon side face a difficult challenge against Uzbekistan.
Lebanon remain unbeaten after the draw with Korea and the 6-4 defeat of Malaysia on day two.
However, Zakhour is concerned over injuries to key players, with captain Rabih Abou Chaaya, Takaji and Mahmoud Itani all playing through the pain barrier, and admits his side are troubled by the conflict ongoing at home.
“Our players are mentally not very good but we have to try to beat Uzbekistan,” Zakhour said.
Malaysia coach Poothathamby Balakrishnan is out to salvage some pride against Korea Republic.
With qualification for the next AFC Futsal Championship also at stake, P. Balakrishnan insists defeat is not an option.
“Pride is very important for our country,” he said.
“To win the game tomorrow is important so we qualify automatically for the next tournament.”
Courtesy:
The AFC.comThais ready for ‘toughest test’12 May 2008BANGKOK - Thailand boss Jose Maria Pazos Mendez admits Kyrgyzstan will pose his side's toughest test of the AFC Futsal Championships yet when the two teams clash to determine the winners of Group A on Tuesday, but insists it will provide a good indicator of just how far they can go in the tournament.
Thailand thrashed Indonesia 11-0 and, coupled with Kyrgyzstan's 8-0 rout of Iraq, it means both countries will progress to the knockout stages later this week.
Kyrgyzstan have made the semi-finals for the last three years and are among the favourites to claim one of the FIFA World Cup spots on offer for the teams that make the last four.
So Mendez knows that victory at the Nimibutr Stadium will confirm Thailand's credentials as serious contenders.
"I think it will be a big test for the chances of the Thailand team," he said.
"We must recover the ground we lost in Japan. Kyrzgystan are among the top four teams so it will be a big test for our team and our possibilities in this tournament.
"It's very important because if we win, we will be first in the group and although we won't have an easy passage in the quarter-finals, we probably won't play Japan."
Mendez also admitted he left a few players out of the Indonesia victory in order to keep his squad fresh.
"It's important in this type of tournament the distribution of minutes is important because if you get to the final you play many games in a short space of time," the Spaniard added.
Kyrgyzstan boss Nurtazin Djetybaev, meanwhile, has only one thing on his mind against Thailand…victory.
"Before we came here we need to win every game so every game for us is important," he said.
"Tomorrow, the game is Thailand and Thailand are a strong team but we will play only for the victory."
Iraq face Indonesia in the group's other encounter at Hua Mark Stadium with only pride to play for.
Having been thumped by Kyrgyzstan, Iraq coach Asaad Al Hamadani is hopeful his side can bounce back with a decent performance and end their campaign on a winning note.
"We can win against Indonesia because there is nothing at stake," he said.
The quarter-final places have already been decided, so my team can play freely and I think that we also have a bit more quality."
Indonesia coach Justinus Lhaksana will be keen for his young charges just to turn in a competitive display having conceded 16 goals in two defeats, although he admitted the experience his side have gained from the competition will prove invaluable in the long run.
Courtesy:
The AFC.comGilligan set to ring changes13 May 2008BANGKOK - Australia coach Scott Gilligan admitted he will make changes for the top-of-the-table clash with Japan at Nimibutr Stadium after his side confirmed their passage to the quarter-finals with a game to spare.
A comprehensive 6-0 victory over Chinese Taipei saw Australia pick up their second win in Group B and Japan's 4-1 triumph over Turkmenistan later in the day confirmed their place in the last eight.
It did not come without cost, however, as keeper Peter Spathis was dismissed for a professional foul meaning he will be suspended for an encounter that will determine who will finish top of the standings.
But with Kyrgyzstan or Thailand presenting a similar challenge in the last eight, Gilligan will use the Japan clash to tinker with his line-up ahead of the knockout stages.
"I'll probably rest some of the players and obviously the other keeper will play," he said.
"It's a game where we can experiment a little but it's also a great hit out for us because Japan are a fantastic side.
"They are very quick and with their speed, I think they have a lot of tactical nous, so we have to be on our game."
Lachlan Wright was the architect of the Chinese Taipei win and Gilligan admitted the skipper will prove crucial to Australia's chances of progressing to the semi-finals and beyond.
"It's funny because Lachlan's probably not as fit as he should be at this moment so imagine what he could do if he was," he added.
"When he's up, he lifts everyone around him. He's quite good at taking people on with a turn of pace. It makes a big difference."
Japan coach Sergio Sapo, meanwhile, was giving little away ahead of the clash insisting he had not yet given it any thought.
However, with fatigue and sickness affecting their camp, the Brazilian could be tempted to make changes in a similar vein to their opponents with one eye on peaking during the knockout phase.
In the other game, Turkmenistan take on Chinese Taipei in a dead rubber where both sides will be searching for their first win of the competition.
Turkmenistan start as favourites having troubled both Japan and Australia in patches over their first two games, leading coach Eldar Ramazanov to declare: "I'm sure we'll win it."
Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, have leaked 14 goals in two encounters, on top of which they have been plagued by sickness in the camp, leading coach Chen Kuel-jen to not raise expectations too high.
"We still have a chance, but players are getting sick so maybe we'll have more chance if they recover," he said.
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Luca Ranocchiari -->
luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com
