Iran will host Spain futsal squad in late March

IRNA - National head coach of Iran's futsal team said his side will play two friendlies against the world defending champion Spain in late March 2003. In his talks with IRNA on Friday, Mohammad-Hassan Ansarifard added that the Spanish side will field its players in the 12,000-seater hall of Azadi Sports Complex, 10 km west of Tehran, on March 27-28.
The manager said the 5th Asian Futsal Championships are of great importance for the participating countries because the first three teams will qualify for the world event, said Ansarifard, adding that the Asian sides will pit their top players in the tournament.
The 5th Asian futsal tourney will start in Japan in late July 2003.
According to Ansarifard, the Football Federation is trying to make arrangements for participation of the four-time champion of Asia, Iran, in an international meet in Malaysia.
Ansarifard added the Malaysian competitions will be held in June 2003 and top teams like Brazil, Spain, Italy, Russia, and Portugal are taking part in the event.
Touching upon Iranian futsal clubs' matches, he said presence of  the two teams of Esteqlal and Persepolis will surely bring about development and progress to this sporting field in the coming years.
Players are motivated when they are supported by their fans, added Ansarifard.
On January 14 and 15, Iran held the powerful squad of Italy two times in Tehran.
The two teams tied 3-3 in their first friendly on Jan 14.
Playing in front of over 12,000 passionate flag-waving spectators at the gymnasium of Azadi Sports Complex, Iran and Italy also fought t0 a 5-5 draw in their second friendly.
The top goalscorer of Asia, Vahid Shamsaei, stole the show as he netted four times in the 27th, 28th, 30th and 37th minutes.
In a press conference held immediately after the match, Ansarifard said the two friendlies were good opportunities to test his side against a professional European side.
"In Asian futsal events, Iran is the strongest side and has not faced a tough rival," said the manager, adding that for the same reason the shortcomings in particular in defense line are not revealed.
Alessandro Nuccorini steering the Italian team also praised the skilled of Iranian players and the attendance of huge crowd for a friendly.
He referred to Vahid Shamsaei and playmaker skipper of Iran, Mohammad-Reza Heidarian as two top players, whose performances are at international level.