Tehran Times - The head coach of the Iranian men's national futsal team Mohammad Nazemosharia says they will have a difficult task in the 2018 AFC Futsal Championship because Team Melli have to meet high expectations.
Iran have been drawn with China, Iraq and Myanmar in Group C of the upcoming continental sports event.
The 2018 AFC Futsal Championship will be held in Taiwan from Feb. 1 to 11.
“We have a difficult task ahead in the competition because the Asian teams have improved so much during the recent years. Japan and Thailand are always favorites to win the title and Uzbekistan are a title contender as well,” Nazemosharia added.
“We must meet expectations and that is what makes it more difficult for us. Team Melli are under pressure to win the title,” he added.
Iran, champions of 11 of the 14 editions of the competition, have won seven straight editions before their streak was broken by Japan.
Japan have won the other three editions of the competition.