IRNA - Iran finished third at an international
futsal event here as the skilled Brazilians demolished Uruguay in the
semifinal on Saturday.
Talking to IRNA, Manager of the Iranian team Mohammad-Hassan Ansarifar said Iran ranked third in advance due to its better goal
difference.
Iranian head coach said he is pleased with his team's performance,adding that his side should think of 2003 event. In Saturday's semifinal, Brazil trounced Uruguay 8-0.
Brazil won the first half 2-0 and netted six more after the break, setting up all-South American final against Argentina on Sunday.
Four-time Asian futsal champion Iran was stunned in the semifinal on Friday as Argentina grabbed the winner late in the second half.
In a cutthraot match in Kuala Lumpur, Iran won the first half 1-0 but it was the South American side that fought back to book a place in
the final with a 2-1 victory.
The Iranian players and coaches cupped their faces in their hands when Argentina netted the winner by Carlos Florentino Sanchez just 23
seconds from the normal time.
Strong attacking play in the second half turned the tide in Argentina's favor after Iran took a shock 1-0 lead in the ninth minute
through Kazem Mohammadi-Tirabadi.
Marcelo Faboan Gimenez equalized in the 25th minute before the team Captain Sanchez unleashed a stiff shot along the ground to score
the winner with 23 seconds of play left.
Futsal, or indoor soccer, is played by five players per side in two 20-minute periods.
Twelve teams have participated in the six-day championship which kicked off at the Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex
on June 3.
