AFC - Islamic Republic of Iran’s victorious AFC Women’s Futsal Championship 2018 squad have returned to a heroes’ welcome after being crowned Asian champions for a second time.
The Sharzad Mozafar-coached side, hailed the “Queens of Asia’ by the Iran media, was greeted by a crowd of supporters and officials as they continued to celebrate their second AFC Women’s Futsal Championship title won with a 5-2 win over Japan in Bangkok on Saturday.
The victorious players received bouquets of flowers and posed for pictures, with captain Nasimeh Gholami, Thailand 2018 Most Valuable Player Fershteh Karimi and Top scorer award-winner Sara Shirbeigi among the most sought-after individuals.
Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran President Mehdi Taj was also on hand to welcome home the players, including the outstanding goalkeeper Farzaneh Tavassoli, whose teammates have nicknamed her the ‘Asian Eagle.’
The victory has been excitedly celebrated in the country, with football’s all-time international goal-scoring record-holder Ali Daei and current Team Melli head coach Carlos Queiroz just some of the football luminaries to pass on messages of congratulations.