Japan books Asian futsal semi berth for Iran

MNA – Japan, which had already waltzed into the semifinals of the 7th Asian futsal meet, won the hearts of Iranians with Monday’s victory over Thais badly needed for Iran’s advancement to the last four.
Asia’s six-time champion Iran found its way to the semifinals as it thrashed underdog China 10-3 and Nippon put the icing on the cake with a 4-2 victory over Thailand.

Winning four points, the lucky Iran denied the hapless Thailand on better goal difference.

The rejuvenated Iran conceded its first Asian loss to runner-up Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as the almond-eyed players got the better of continent’s futsal king, celebrating a 3-1 win.

Iran was on a knife-edge when it fought back to hold Thailand to a 3-3 draw in its second quarterfinal game.

Iran’s Futsal Committee head Sadeq Dorudgar offered his resignation right after Iran’s humiliating tie with the Thais.

Thailand, which had defeated the Chinese team, would cruise into the semifinals if it extracted a draw against Japan.