Iran, the only team to have won the competition since it was launched in 1999, continued their reign after overcoming Japan 5-3 in the final on Sunday. Although Kenichiro Kogure gave the Far East side the lead after just three minutes, the final proved to be a much more comfortable affair for the Iranians than last year’s contest. Then they needed two late goals to defeat Japan 6-4, but this time they reacted quickly to that negative blow by scoring five goals without reply through Mohammad Hashemzadeh (2), Kazem Mohammadi, captain Mohammad Reza Heidarian and tournament topscorer Vahid Shamsaee. Late strikes from Suzumura Takuya and Rikarudo Higa were little consolation for the brave Japanese outfit. Impressed by the Persians, the crowd at the Pavilhao Polidesportivo stadium were left shaking their heads at the end, unsure whether to be more amazed by the fact that Iran had maintained their 100% record, 38 matches without defeat or draw or that Shamsaee had netted 33 goals in seven matches (4.7 goals per game). As it turned out, he was beaten to the tournament’s best player prize by team-mate Mohammad Reza Heidarian. Road to Taipei Japan continued the impressive form that has seen them reach the Asian final in the previous two editions. Drawn in Group C, they defeated hosts Macau 17-0, Philippines 12-0, Kyrgyzstan 4-1 and Lebanon 4-0, scoring 37 times and conceding a single goal. Relatively tight victories over China 5-2 in the quarter-finals and Uzbekistan 4-2 in the semis saw them safely on the road to Chinese Taipei. South-east Asian champions Thailand too repeated their feats of previous tournaments, running out third for the third time in a row. Thanks to a Anucha Manjarem brace they came from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in the crucial game to see who would go through to the world finals after waltzing past Lebanon 9-3 in the quarters. In between, Thailand could not live with Iran in the semis. Emerging teams Runners-up in 2001, Uzbekistan took part in perhaps the most exciting match of the tournament. Trailing 4-1 to Korea Republic in the quarter-finals, they came back to win 6-5 and please the watching crowd. |
Iran hit six, Japan and Thailand reach world finals
- Persianleague
- - Apr 27, 2004
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