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.
