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The AFC.comMalaysia ends Korea's campaign13 May 2008BANGKOK – Malaysia ended Korea Republic's bid for a quarter-final place with a 4-3 victory at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium which ensures their qualification for the next AFC Futsal Championship.
The Koreans, who could have reached the last eight with victory after Lebanon's 5-1 defeat to Group C winners Uzbekistan, were without captain Song Ho-young (ankle) and Sin Han-kook (back) and their presence was clearly missed.
Malaysia put in a spirited display with skipper Addie Azwan Zainal lifting the Tigers to a first win of the competition to take third place in Group C ahead of Jeong Jin Hyuk's side.
Jung Hyuk toe-poked in a free-kick from the edge of the area for Korea to take the lead but Addie set up Muizzudin Mohammad Haris to equalise.
Mohammad Zaidi Zul Khapri handled a shot on the line and was dismissed but Jung Hyuk missed the resulting penalty.
Jung Hyuk then chipped off target as Korea failed to make their dominance pay and Safar Mohammad punished Korea's profligacy, surging down the middle and finding the bottom corner.
Kang Hyun-uk levelled early in the second half, turning on the edge of the area and crashing in a left-foot shot, but Addie immediately replied.
The captain tucked in to restore Malaysia's advantage within 20 seconds.
Deva and Mohamad Feroz Ab Karnim withdrew through injury and Jung Hyuk was sent-off for a second yellow card with five minutes remaining.
But Lee Jong-yun scored despite the numerical disadvantage before Safar replied, netting his second after a defensive mistake.
Malaysia's sixth foul resulted in a spot kick which Jung Hae-hyuk drilled straight at substitute goalkeeper Mohammad Firdaus Razali.
Addie missed a penalty after Korea's sixth foul but Malaysia held on for victory.
Lebanon join Uzbekistan into the last eight where they are likely to meet top seeds Iran.
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The AFC.comFive star Uzbeks take top spot13 May 2008BANGKOK - Dilshod Irsaliev scored twice as Uzbekistan finished top of Group C after a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Lebanon at Nimibutr Stadium.
Lebanon had gone in front but Alexander Petrov's men fought back in style to end the group stages with a perfect record.
Khaled came closest to breaking the deadlock when he hit the post before Lebanon did take the lead shortly afterwards when Ibrahim Hammoud's cross found Mahmoud Itani and he beat keeper Rustam Umarov with a low drive.
Lebanon's joy was short-lived, however, as Ilhom Yusupdjanov's free-kick fell to Gulomjon Mamdjonov and he poked home as an entertaining first-half ended all-square.
Uzbekistan went ahead five minutes into the second period when they won possession in midfield before Umid Holmatov found Farruh Farhutdinov, who swept the ball into the back of the net.
It was 3-1 soon afterwards as Irsaliev netted with a powerful strike before Uzbekistan put the result beyond doubt as Irsaliev grabbed a second when he was on hand to tap home after Lebanon keeper Rabil El Kakhi could only parry Holmatov's initial shot.
They extended their advantage even further when Yusupdjanov laid the ball off to Bahodir Ahmedov on the right and he crashed home his side's fifth goal to complete an impressive group campaign that saw them net 19 goals.
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The AFC.comBala buoyed by finishing third13 May 2008BANGKOK – Poothathmaby Balakrishnan was overjoyed after his Malaysia side clinched third place in Group C with a 4-3 victory over Korea Republic.
The triumph means Malaysia avoid the qualification lottery for the next AFC Futsal Championship, a fate which awaits bottom-placed Korea.
“After losing the two games we needed to win this game and my players showed true character and commitment to overcome the ruggedness and pace of the Koreans,” said P Balakrishnan.
“I congratulate my boys for playing their hearts out.”
Safar Mohammad scored twice, while captain Addie Azwan Zainal and Muizzudin Mohammad Haris were also on target for Malaysia, who put on a vastly-improved display from their earlier group games.
And the result can help propel futsal to greater popularity than the 11-a-side game, according to P Balakrishnan.
“The winning means a lot to my country because now we are in the process of building up futsal,” he added.
“This means a lot to the public and for future players to have futsal more popular than football.”
Korea were without captain Song Ho-young (ankle) and Sin Han-kook (back) and their presence was clearly missed.
The East Asians, who could have reached the last eight with victory after Lebanon's 5-1 defeat to Group C winners Uzbekistan, also had two players sent-off as they exited the competition with just one point from three matches.
“We exhausted all of our power in two very difficult matches with Uzbekistan and Lebanon,” said coach Jeong Jin-hyuk.
“Two key players could not play in this game and it was a big blow for us.”
Jeong vowed to bounce back stronger from the experience after admitting the competition was too intense for his side.
“At this time we don't have a good chance in this competition,” he added.
“But if we reach the next AFC Futsal Championship we will prepare much better and have a much better chance.”
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The AFC.comRed storm sinks Kuwait13 May 2008BANGKOK – Wang Wei struck a hat-trick as China strolled into the quarter-final of the AFC Futsal Championship with a convincing 9-0 victory over Kuwait at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
Wang was in fine form as Farinha's side bounced back from Monday's 8-1 loss to Iran to finish in second place in Group D and set up a last-eight meeting with Group C winners Uzbekistan on Thursday.
China, who defeated Tajikistan 9-0 on Sunday, pressed and harried Team Melli in their second game but were eventually undone by some sublime skill from the reigning champions.
However, Farinha's side outclassed qualifiers Kuwait on this occasion.
Liu Xinyi put China ahead from the edge of the area before Wang doubled the advantage with an exquisite chip over the advancing goalkeeper.
Wang netted his second following a defensive mix-up, Zhang Xiao slotted in a fourth, and Li Xin bundled in a fifth before half-time as China ran riot.
Zhang Xiao struck his second from wide on the right early in the second half before Wang drilled in his third.
Farinha rotated his line up to give his fringe players more game time, but they did not disappoint.
Tian Lei saved at point-blank range from Mohammad Al Naqi as China seemed determined to secure a second clean sheet of the competition.
Zhang Xi notched an eighth from close range and Zhang Jiong then waltzed through the Kuwait defence to play in Wu Zhuoxi for a ninth as China qualified for the last eight.
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The AFC.comTajiki-slam from rampant Iran13 May 2008BANGKOK - Vahid Shamsaee scored five goals as Iran confirmed their status as the pre-tournament favourites with another heavy victory at the AFC Futsal Championship as they trounced Tajikistan 14-0 in at Nimibutr Stadium.
The comprehensive triumph in their final Group D game means Team Melli topped the table with a perfect record and will now face Lebanon in the quarter-finals.
Iran took the lead in the fifth minute when Mostafa Tayyebi struck from close range before Hossein Shams' side ran riot in the opening period at the expense of their increasingly dispirited opponents.
Bakhodur Sufiev scored the first of two Tajik own goals in the seventh minute after deflecting Shamsaee’s shot into his own net before the Iranian star opened his account with a strike from distance.
Tayyebi made it 4-0 when he converted Javad Asghari Moghaddam's driven pass across the area at the back post before a slick build-up saw the ball played into Majid Raesi and his lay-off was lashed in by Majid Latifi.
Tayyebi grabbed his hat-trick when he slid in the sixth goal on the right edge of the area then Shamsaee made it seven before the prolific Iranian deceived a Tajik defender with some tricky feet and smashed a shot into the roof of the net to complete his hat-trick.
Obidjon Ismoilov scored an unfortunate own goal when Shamsaee's chipped cross hit him on the chest before a swift break saw an unmarked Tayyebi receive the ball and he fed Latifi to make the score 10-0 at half-time.
Despite numerous opportunities, Team Melli did not score again until with just over four minutes left in the second period when Mohammad Reza Heidarian fooled the entire Tajikistan defence with a dummy and scooped the ball into an unguarded net.
It was 12-0 soon after as Kazem Mohammadi's shot was blocked on the line but Moghaddam was on hand to finish from close range. Shamsaee then took his personal tally to five with two goals in quick succession to complete the scoring.
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The AFC.comKarmadi seals Indonesia win13 May 2008BANGKOK – Sayan Karmadi netted 33 seconds from time as Indonesia defeated Iraq 5-4 to secure third place in Group A of the AFC Futsal Championship.
Indonesia required a victory to avoid having to qualify for the next AFC Futsal Championship as their inferior goal difference left them bottom of the standings, while a draw would have been enough for Iraq.
Justinus Lhaksana's side started the better, taking the lead when Fachry Muhammad Assegaff's shot took a wicked deflection off Ahmed Tameemi to beat Utayl Abdulqader.
Iraq equalised when Ali Al Dulaimi drove in a shot which was off target until Ali Abdulhameed stuck out a leg to divert the ball in.
Iraq went in front for the first time in sublime fashion.
Adbulkareem Radi showed quick feet to weave through three would-be tacklers on the left-side of the box before hitting a ferocious shot high into the net.
But the lead was short-lived as Deny Handoyo levelled with just over 16 seconds left in the half.
Hashim Kadhim struck the post and Radi reacted first to net the rebound as Iraq reclaimed the lead.
Abdulqader then spread himself well to deny Achmad Syaibani before Iraq countered.
Yos Adi Wicaksono failed to gather Zaid Naji's shot and Kadhim pounced to prod the ball in.
Jailani Ladjanibi latched on to Andri Irawan's pass to net on the counter and reduce the deficit and Indonesia continued to press forward.
Abdulqader defied Sukma Nagara after Fachry's mazy run and Deny then fired a rocket off the upright.
But Ladjanibi levelled four minutes from time after Iraq failed to scramble the ball away.
Indonesia sacrificed their goalkeeper in attack in a desperate attempt to find a winner.
And Karmadi found the top corner with a fierce drive to prompt jubilant scenes among the vocal Indonesia support.
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The AFC.comZakhour: We’ve done Lebanon proud!13 May 2008BANGKOK - Lebanon coach Dory Zakhour was a proud man after his side qualified for the quarter finals of the AFC Futsal Championships despite losing 5-1 to Uzbekistan at Nimibutr Stadium.
Mahmoud Itani had given Lebanon the lead before Uzbekistan, for whom Dilshod Irsaliev scored twice, fought back to ensure they topped Group C with a perfect record.
But it was Lebanon who provided the real success story as unrest in the country had meant they were unable to prepare for the competition and were forced to endure an arduous journey just to reach Bangkok.
Malaysia's 4-3 victory over Korea Republic ultimately sent Lebanon into the last eight but nevertheless, Zakhour was delighted with his side's performance despite the defeat.
"It's the best game we've played against Uzbekistan," he said.
"It's the first time we've played better than Uzbekistan. We had many chances to score and we hit the post.
"My players are very tired, we have many problems, but despite this, we played very well. But, of course, congratulations to Uzbekistan.
"I'm very happy with our campaign because we have had many problems, you know about the situation in our country.
"We are not well prepared. I could not train with the whole team, It's very hard to train all the players together. We came here without any training. "I'm happy that all the teams in Asia, especially the best ones, are looking at Lebanon, at our team, as a good team."
Uzbekistan coach Alexander Petrov, by contrast, was satisfied to top the table but insisted his side have to improve if they are to progress in the knockout phase.
"We are happy with the result, to be first in the group and to avoid Iran in the quarter-finals but we are not satisfied with our performances," he said.
"In all three matches we did not play to the best of our ability and if we continue to play like that, we will have big problems in the quarter finals."
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The AFC.comFarinha sets sights on World Cup13 May 2008BANGKOK – Farinha turned his focus to qualification for the FIFA Futsal World Cup after his China side's 9-0 victory over Kuwait.
The triumph saw China progress to the AFC Futsal Championship quarter-finals as runners-up in Group D to tournament favourites Iran.
A last-eight victory over Group C winners Uzbekistan would see China qualify for the global tournament in Brazil later this year.
“This was a very important game for us, and, after losing to Iran yesterday, I'm very happy with my players' attitude,” he said.
“We came here to try to fight for a place in the World Cup.
“The first stage is complete – we have qualified for the quarter-finals – and I'm very happy with my players.”
Wang Wei struck a hat-trick as China strolled to victory over Kuwait, who finished bottom of the standings.
A 5-0 half-time advantage allowed Farinha to rotate his squad in the second period and China continued to fire in the second half.
“I'm very happy that all the players did well today,” he added.
“The main thing is that we kept moving and marking with full intensity all the time.
“The players from the bench, they did well, for example, Zhang Jiong, he didn't score but he gave three balls to the other players to score.
“Everyone did very well and that's why we succeeded.”
Coach Naief Al Otaibi was pleased with Kuwait's display and added his support to China's semi-final bid.
“My team played well today,” he said. “They played hard.
“I enjoyed the match – okay, we missed too many chances and lost, but we played against a very good team.”
China have demonstrated enough so far to convince Al Otaibi that they will reach the last four.
“They have a very good chance,” he added.
“When I saw yesterday's match between Iran and China, I said they will be in the semi-final.”
Al Otaibi also promised Kuwait will qualify for the next AFC Futsal Championship.
“We will try and believe me, we will be in the next Asia Cup and you'll see a good team,” he said.
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The AFC.comThais take top spot13 May 2008BANGKOK - Thailand sealed top spot in Group A of the AFC Futsal Championships after a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Kyrgyzstan at Nimibutr Stadium.
In a clash of two unbeaten sides, it was Jose Maria Parzos Mendez's side that came out on top and potentially secure an easier quarter-final clash against the runners-up of Group B.
A frantic opening by both sides saw little in the way of clear-cut chances and they were guilty of squandering possession on a number of occasions.
Prasert Innui went close when a neat turn bought him some space but his effort was tipped away by Nikolay Shamonin.
Kyrgyzstan then threatened when a clever free-kick resulted in Evgeny Malinin bringing out a good save in Somkid Chuenta before Tanakorn Santanaprasit fired over the bar after collecting Panuwa Janta's free-kick.
But Thailand took the lead when Panuwa fed Anucha Munjarern and the latter lifted the ball over Shamonin and into the net.
Anucha then wasted two more great opportunities when he again evaded Shamonin but somehow missed the target before he tried to chip the Kyrgyzstan keeper but the ball sailed wide of the right-hand post.
Kyrgyzstan were finding Thailand tough to break down in the second period but they equalised with just over nine minutes to go when Emil Kanetov found the bottom corner with an angled shot from the right flank.
But parity did not last long as Ekkaphan Suratsawang hit the back of the net to put Thailand ahead for the second time almost immediately.
The hosts then gave themselves breathing room when their opponents replaced Shamonin with an outfield player but their attack broke down and Tanakorn collected a pass before rifling home the third past the helpless substitute Daniar Abdyraimov
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The AFC.comHigh-flying Iran must stay grounded13 May 2008BANGKOK - Iran coach Hossein Shams refused to get too complacent despite seeing his side rattle in another 14 goals as they routed Tajikistan to finish top of Group D and book an AFC Futsal Championship quarter-final clash with Lebanon.
Vahid Shamsaee helped himself to five goals as the defending champions ran riot at the Nimibutr Stadium, going at the break 10-0 up before adding another four in the second period.
The rout brought their tally in the competition to 34 goals in just three matches against only one conceded.
But despite sailing through the group stages to reinforce their credentials as the team to beat, Shams is taking nothing for granted as he approaches the latter stages of the tournament.
"As far as our level is concerned, we think Iran are the best team in Asia and perhaps one of the better teams in the world but in Futsal, nobody can predict what will happen," he said.
"Sometimes you can see results and games that do not happen very often but they can happen.
"We are quite satisfied with the results we have had in our group matches and we are just thinking about the other steps we are going to have to take in the future.
"But if we compare the results with what the ones we have had in previous tournaments, our team has improved a little bit."
Shamsaee was the pick of the bunch in a dominant Iran display but Shams insisted Team Melli were more than a one-man show.
"We are not focusing our efforts on any one player to be the top scorer," he added.
"It happens some time in a game. Shamsaee is given a pass and then he scores a goal. We do not like to make one player the only to score our goals. It wouldn't be very good for the team. But anyhow, I think he got a few more chances in this game."
For Tajikistan, the drubbing extinguished the faint hopes they had of making the knockout stages and coach Damir Kamaletdinov believes they were beaten by a side that will go on to lift the trophy.
"We lost today to the winners of this tournament," he said.
"It's a reality of this team that we are beaten heavily but in any case, I'm not happy with the results in this tournament. However, it proved a good experience for my team."
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The AFC.comLhaksana leaves on a high note13 May 2008BANGKOK – Justinus Lhaksana was overjoyed to be leaving his position as Indonesia coach with his head held high following the last-gasp 5-4 victory over Iraq.
Lhaksana announced two weeks ago that he would be stepping down after the AFC Futsal Championship whatever the result, but he was delighted to meet his target of a third-place finish in Group A.
“Today we showed that we can play futsal well,” he said.
“This group was the toughest group and I wanted to show the Indonesian Football Association that the future of futsal is much brighter than Indonesian football.”
However, Lhaksana will not be reconsidering his decision to walk away from the job due to his continual frustrations with the national association.
“Regardless of the result today, the coaching team are going to resign,” he added.
“I need a rest – I barely have time for myself.
“Hopefully the next coach will maintain this team.”
Sayan Karmadi struck a fierce shot into the top corner 33 seconds from time as Indonesia utilised a power-play to secure victory.
“We played quite well with power-play and Iraq didn't know how to handle it,” Lhaksana added.
“We really wanted to win this game – this for us was a match that was dead or alive, we had to win.”
Lhaksana admitted Iraq were favourites for the contest, but he was thrilled with the result and performance.
“This was always going to be a very tough game” said Lhaksana. “Iraq is a very good team – they win on individual skill, they win on speed, they win in physical power.
“During the first half we were strong, but in the second half we defended much better and we have achieved the target.”
Lhaksana hopes the Indonesian Football Association will take note of his side's display.
“With the facilities we've got this is a very good result that my players have achieved,” he added.
“But if you want to compete in the Asian Cup you need to be strong in every factor of futsal.
“But the result we have achieved is very good as we have very poor facilities in Indonesia.”
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The AFC.comTurkmen hit six to take third12 May 2008BANGKOK - Agajan Resulov scored twice and Bayrammurat Esenmamedov netted a fine individual strike as Turkmenistan secured third place in AFC Futsal Championship Group B with a 6-2 defeat of Chinese Taipei.
Chinese Taipei required victory to climb off the bottom of the table due to their inferior goal difference, but they lacked firepower.
Resulov forced the ball over the line for a scrappy opener for Turkmenistan, who then missed two straightforward opportunities to add to their tally.
Mergen Orazov somehow scooped the ball over from a yard out and Mergen Atayev struck the post from a narrow angle.
Chinese Taipei were limited to speculative long-range efforts but Turkmenistan could not capitalise on their dominance and Resulov was denied by goalkeeper Pan Wei-chih after creating space for a shot with clever footwork.
Lin Po-yuan missed a gilt-edged chance to equalise early in the second half before Resulov hit the post at the other end.
But Turkmenistan doubled their advantage through a piece of individual brilliance.
Esenmamedov collected the ball on the left, nutmegged Fang Ching-jen and reclaimed the ball before wrong-footing goalkeeper Pan and passing into the net.
Chinese Taipei finally breached the Turkmenistan defence through Huang Shih-chan's strong free-kick.
But Esenmamedov set up Orazov to finish from close range as Turkmenistan netted a third and a fourth soon followed.
Pan could only parry Mekan Muhamedmuradov's shot into the path of Resulov who struck his second of the game.
Ildar Tashliyev left his goal exposed in a moment of madness and Chen Chun-chieh found the empty net for Chinese Tapei's second but they then conceded two late goals.
Muhamedmuradov netted a fifth with 11 seconds remaining before Turkmenistan got a sixth when Tashliyev's long through ball deceived Pan to find the back of the net.
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The AFC.comMendez impressed with Kyrgyz test13 May 2008BANGKOK - Thailand coach Jose Maria Parzos Mendez hailed his side's performance after they came through what he described was their hardest game to date in the AFC Futsal Championships with a 3-1 victory over Kyrgyzstan.
Anucha Munjarern had put Thailand in front at Nimibutr Stadium only for Emil Kanetov to level for Kyrgyzstan midway through the second period.
But Ekkaphan Suratsawang and Tanakorn Santanaprasit both struck to help the hosts top Group A in a performance that was characterised by some gritty defending from the Thais.
"I think this was the most competitive game for my team in this tournament," Mendez said.
"We played very well in defence and we concentrated well against a very good team.
"I like Kyrgyzstan a lot, they have plenty of ability. They are maybe the best team in the tournament at set-plays, they are very dangerous. I think in the last two games, they scored four or five goals from corners or
free-kicks.
"They are a more experienced team and we tried to press them because they have players with a lot of quality.
"They are very fast so we preferred to wait in the half-court and deny them space behind our defenders."
However, despite the impressive victory, Mendez admitted he still has concerns about his side's offensive strengths.
"I'm still worried about our attack, we need a lot of chances to score," he added.
"We had five or six chances in the first half and maybe we could have opened up more of a gap.
"We could maybe have scored one more goal more and the second half could have been more relaxing. But we need many chances."
Kyrgyzstan boss Murtazin Djetybaev saw his side enjoy plenty of possession but fail to break down their dogged opponents.
"We are disappointed because we lost but the score was not a fair reflection of the game," he said.
"We think the Thailand players were very well coached for this game. The movement of their players was very quick and that is why we lost."
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The AFC.comJapan rally to down Aussies13 May 2008BANGKOK - Japan were given a real scare as they came from two goals down to beat Australia 4-2 and top Group B at the AFC Futsal Championships.
Scott Gilligan's side produced a gritty performance at Nimibutr Stadium and held a healthy advantage at the interval only for Japan to produce a second-half fightback and book a quarter-final clash with Kyrgyzstan.
Japan had the first real chance when Daisuke Ono's defence-splitting pass set Kotaro Inabo clear but keeper Gavin O'Brien did excellently to stand up and block his effort.
O'Brien then spread himself well at the back post to deny Akira Toyoshima before Adrian Vizzari rattled the frame of the Japan goal with a fearsome strike.
However, Australia took the lead when Christopher Zeballos weaved his way the length of the pitch before dispatching a right-foot shot past Hisao Sadanaga and into the top corner.
Scott Gilligan's side then doubled their advantage when Luke Haydon broke free and, as Sadanaga came charging out of his goal, rolled his foot over the ball to drag it past the prone keeper and slot it into the empty net.
Gavin O'Brien made another full-length save to push away Rikarudo Higa's shot at the start of the second-half before Danny Ngaluafe produced an outrageous piece of skill to create an opening but saw his shot hit the outside of the post.
Japan then pulled a goal back when Kanayama slid in at the far post to apply the finishing to Kenichiro Kogure's pass.
And it was soon 2-2 when Ono received the ball with his back to goal and held off his defended to turn and fire in the equaliser.
Japan then took the lead with just under nine minutes to go when Inaba found Yusuke Inada at the far post and he sidefooted home.
Vizzari thought he had netted a late leveller but his effort was scrambled off the line before Yusuke Komiyama scored a fourth from his own half into an empty net after Australia had pulled their keeper.
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The AFC.comRamazanov happy with group finale13 May 2008BANGKOK – Eldar Ramazanov was happy as Turkmenistan ended their AFC Futsal Championship campaign on a winning note with a 6-2 defeat of Chinese Taipei.
Agajan Resulov scored twice and Bayrammurat Esenmamedov netted a fine individual strike before two goals in the final 11 seconds put a welcome gloss on the scoreline.
“Of course I'm pleased with the win, it's always nice to win, especially when you play well,” said Ramazanov.
“In the first half we played quite poorly but in the second half we raised our level and performed well.”
Turkmenistan went ahead through Resulov's scrappy strike but then struggled to make their first-half dominance tell.
But Esenmamedov's sublime finish doubled the advantage and Turkmenistan were always in control.
Ramazanov's side secured third place in Group B with the win, but he is unsure if that means automatic qualification for the next continental tournament.
“The next AFC Championship could be played in 2010 and I don't think it has been decided yet if we qualify automatically,” he added.
Chen Kuei-jen was not too disappointed despite Chinese Taipei ending their tournament with three defeats, scoring four times and conceding 20 in the process.
“We are pretty happy because we did our best,” said Chen.
“It was good for our players to experience international games and this will help for us to qualify and join more international tournaments.”
Chinese Taipei lacked firepower and were limited to speculative long-range shots in the first period.
Huang Shih-chan's strong free-kick finally put them on the score sheet, while Chen Chun-chieh found an empty net after Ildar Tashliyev's moment of madness late on.
Chen added: “We need to prepare well for next time and we need more futsal to be played in Chinese Taipei.”
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The AFC.comSapo hails Japan’s resilience13 May 2008BANGKOK - Japan boss Sergio Sapo paid tribute to the resilience of his players after they survived their first major test at the AFC Futsal Championships by coming from two goals down to see off Australia 4-2.
Christopher Zeballos and Luke Haydon had given the Aussies a 2-0 half-time lead at Nimibutr Stadium only for goals from Yuki Kanayama, Daisuke Ono, Yusuke Inada and a late effort from Yusuke Komiyama to seal top spot in Group B and a quarter-final showdown with Kyrgyzstan.
"We played well at the start but we went two down in the first half so I told the players at half-time to calm down and not give up and that's why we won," he said.
"The beginning of the game was good because we had pace and much more movement so we needed to do that in the second-half. The players gave 100% and that's why we were able to get back into the game.
"I knew it was going to be a difficult game but the players never gave up."
Australia counterpart Scott Gilligan admitted his side tired towards the end but was still full of praise for their efforts. They now meet hosts Thailand on Thursday.
"We played well today but we showed while we've got a lead, we still have problems keeping possession in the second half," he said.
"I reiterated that at half-time and I think we turned it over too cheaply at times but when you're chasing the game, you're always getting more tired.
“Aussies always have a lot of courage and the boys were hurting in that second half.
"I think that's one of the major problems. In Australia we play running clock and not stop clock and it shows at the back end of each game so we're still getting used to the conditioning.
"But I can't fault the guys, first-half I thought we were tremendous. Obviously they had some chances too but we took ours and they didn't and in the second-half they took theirs and we didn't. We still made some chances. It was unfortunate but that's the way it goes.
"Certainly our team has grown in stature and I know that while the next game we'll be tough, we'll be ready."
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The AFC.comMendez wary of Aussies’ strength14 May 2008BANGKOK - Jose Maria Parzos Mendez fears his Thailand side will struggle to cope with the physicality of Australia in the quarter-final of the AFC Futsal Championship on Thursday.
The hosts qualified for the last eight as Group A winners, while Australia finished runners-up to Japan in Group B, and the teams now compete for a semi-final place at Nimibutr Stadium.
Thailand has a 100% record in the competition after three wins out of three in the preliminary round, but Mendez believes Australia is a real threat to his side's bid for a FIFA Futsal World Cup berth.
"I don't like the Australian team because it is very physical, the players are very big," he said.
"Australia has competitive spirit and they have grown up a lot in the last few years.
"They have played in the last two World Cups I think and are an experienced group - they have played together many times."
Thailand edged Kyrgyzstan 3-1 to claim the first qualifying place for the knockout stages, but Mendez admits his side have not achieved anything yet.
"We only need one more win to go to the World Cup, at the moment we get nothing," Mendez added.
"It's the same situation at the start, it's the same situation as yesterday.
"If we lose on Thursday, we haven’t done nothing - if we win, then we go to the World Cup."
Australia coach Scott Gilligan believes Thailand have improved beyond recognition in recent years but remains confident of success.
"Thailand have improved out of sight," he said.
"They won't be any different to Japan so we've got to be on our game but I think we can win, for sure."
Australia squandered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 to Japan on Tuesday, with Lachlan Wright and Christian Zeballos picking up their second yellow cards of the tournament.
The key duo will be suspended for the encounter with Thailand, while Fernando de Moraes is doubtful with a back complaint.
But despite the absentees, Gilligan is sure his troops are closing in on their target.
"We had the goal of winning the first two games and then to make it through to the semi-finals and we've got one game to do it," said Gilligan.
"I know that while it will be difficult, we'll be ready for it.
"We've played Thailand under my coaching three times, we've won one and lost two."
Courtesy:
The AFC.comFarinha fancies China futsal fillip14 May 2008BANGKOK - China coach Farinha underlined the impact an AFC Futsal Championship quarter-final victory over Uzbekistan would have on the sport's popularity in the country as they gear up for Thursday's crucial clash at Hua Mark Stadium.
Wei Wang's hat-trick helped China to a comprehensive 9-0 triumph over Kuwait in their final game on Tuesday and seal second spot in Group D.
With the four semi-finalists in the 2008 tournament guaranteed a place at the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil later this year, there is more than just another step towards regional glory at stake for both sides.
And Farinha was in no doubt what success over their rivals would mean for his side.
"The Chinese federation [Chinese Football Association] will pay more attention to futsal if we qualify for the World Cup," he said.
"In my opinion it's a very big step towards development of futsal in China.
"Qualifying will mean a big change in terms of the environment of futsal in China. It would be a big step and it's a dream for all of us to go to the World Cup
"We also have to think of the sponsors. If we can have a place at the World Cup, more sponsors will pay attention to futsal in China.
"The Chinese federation little by little, is understanding that the Chinese team is improving and that China has a good future in futsal.
"Little by little they will start to divide their attention between outdoor football and also futsal."
However, it will be no easy task to overcome an Uzbekistan side that topped Group C with an unbeaten record.
But Farinha is confident his side can upset the odds in what he predicts will be a closely-fought affair.
"It's not an easy game but if we can play well against Uzbekistan, anyone can win," he added.
"I need my players to rest, to concentrate well and make sure that they play as well as they can.
"I'm sure if they perform at their best, no-one will know the winner until the very end of the game.
"That's the kind of game I expect, the winner will not be decided until the last minute, maybe even the last seconds.
"This is the kind of game I will prepare my players for."
Uzbekistan enter the contest in confident mood with only Korea Republic providing a serious test for Alexander Petrov's side during a group phase in which they conceded just four goals.
And while Petrov was giving little away ahead of the encounter with China, he was confident his side would be able to rise to the challenge.
"It doesn't matter who we play," he said.
"We have a few minor injuries, not too serious but we hope all the players will available and we're in good shape."
Courtesy:
The AFC.comSapo ponders Kyrgyz challenge14 May 2008BANGKOK - Sergio Sapo anticipates yet another test of Japan's quality in Thursday's quarter-final with Kyrgyzstan at Nimibutr Stadium.
Japan qualified for the last eight after coming back from 2-0 down to defeat Australia 4-2.
The victory - Japan's third success from three games - secured top spot in Group B and Sapo's side are favourites to progress to the last four, a result which would secure qualification for the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil later this year.
Sapo was delighted with the character shown by his players on Tuesday but is aware of the need to improve as Kyrgyzstan will present another formidable challenge.
"I expect it's going to be a difficult game but we have a lot of time to discuss what we have to fix," said Sapo.
Sapo has targeted two areas in need of particular attention.
He would like to improve Japan's defending on fast breaks and their finishing, especially when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
"We are a little late getting back when defending counter-attacks and we are a bit weak on one-on-ones," he said. "It's what we have to fix."
But he believes they have time to solve the problems.
"We don't know the exact reason for it but we'll think about it," he added.
"We have more time so we can think about it and fix it."
Japan are set to be at full strength for the encounter, despite worries over Kohei Harada, who was injured in the opening win over Chinese Taipei and Takuya Suzumura, who is ill.
"We are all okay except for two players - six (Harada) injured in the first match and number two (Suzumura) - but should be okay."
Kyrgyzstan finished runners-up to Thailand in Group A after a 3-1 defeat to the hosts on Tuesday but coach Murtazin Djetybaev is confident his side will learn quickly from the loss and bounce back against second seeds Japan.
"This match was a lesson for us," he said.
"We will learn something from this match and for the next game we will prepare well."
Djetybaev is optimistic Kyrgyzstan can progress.
"We are ready to play with Japan and I still hope that we will be in the final stages," he added.
Courtesy:
The AFC.comShams not underestimating Lebanon14 May 2008BANGKOK - Iran coach Hossein Shams admitted he expects to face a much-improved Lebanon outfit when the two sides clash in the quarter-finals of the AFC Futsal Championships at Hua Mark Stadium on Thursday.
Iran have been in imperious form so far having swept all before them to top Group D and scoring 34 goals against conceding just one.
Lebanon, by contrast, squeezed into the last eight as, despite a 5-1 defeat to Uzbekistan in their final game, Malaysia's 4-3 victory over Korea Republic meant Dory Zakhour's side finished second in Group C.
That in itself is an achievement given the unrest the country is currently experiencing and the difficulty the Lebanon team endured just getting to Bangkok.
And Shams, who has injury concerns over Mohammad Hashemzadeh, believes Iran's opponents will prove a much more dangerous prospect now they have had time to settle into the tournament.
"As far as Lebanon is concerned, you know they have big problems in their country," he said.
"And this is not the real Lebanon you are seeing because we have played against them several times in different tournaments and we think that after two days rest, you may now see the real Lebanon.
"But of course we will also be changing our tactics and getting ready for the game."
Lebanon displayed all their fighting spirit in their opening game when they came back from 5-2 down with just 90 seconds left to draw 5-5 with Korea Republic.
It proved a crucial point as a 6-4 victory over Malaysia preceded the defeat to Uzbekistan before the Malaysians gave them a huge helping hand by edging out the Koreans.
However, coach Zakhour could be without three players for the encounter with skipper Rabih Abou Chaaya, Mahmoud Itani and Khaled Takaji, who have all been on the mark so far in the competition, struggling with injury.
And while Zakhour concedes they face what may seem an insurmountable task against the defending champions, he drew inspiration from Lebanon's 8-4 defeat to the same opponents in the group stages a year ago in Osaka and promised they will at the very least battle to the end.
"Iran are the best team and they have won the championship many times," he said.
"But I will try to get a result and we played very well against Iran in Japan when we scored four goals.
"I will do my best but I have too many problems."
Courtesy:
The AFC.comFour to serve suspension14 May 2008KUALA LUMPUR: Australia will be missing the services of Lachlan Wright and in-form Christopher Zeballos in their AFC Futsal Championship quarter-final against hosts Thailand on Thursday through suspension.
Wright scored a hat-trick in the Australians’ 6-0 victory over Chinese Taipei while Zeballos was on target in all the three group games.
According to the disciplinary list issued by AFC after the group stage, Wright received two cautions in different games against Turkmenistan and Japan, while Zeballos was cautioned in two separate games against Chinese Taipei and Japan.
Thailand’s Ukrit Taengtung, who received two cautions in separate games against Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan, and Kyrgyzstan’s Emil Kanetov, who was cautioned against Iraq and Thailand, will also be ineligible to play in their respective quarter-final games.
Kyrgyzstan will take on last year’s runners-up Japan in the last eight encounter on Thursday. In the other quarter-finals, defending champions Iran will face Lebanon while Uzbekistan take on China the same day.
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