Iran’s Futsal team defeated the C3ntral American representative 4-3 to make it to the last 16 of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012.

In a tight match that was marred by many wasted chances from Team Melli , the Panamanians were a tough nut to crack with their solid defense and strong attack. Iran took an early lead through Ahmad Esmailpour  (3’00”) , before the Panamanians equalized through  Claudio GOODRIDGE (5’13”)

Before the end of the first half , Afshin KAZEMI (13’02”) and Mohammad TAHERI (18’44”) scored for Iran for the first half to finish 3-1.

The second half saw a much better organized Panama and with their determined and spirited playing , they managed to get their second goal through a a penalty converted by
Carlos PEREZ (34’12”) to make it a nervous few minutes for Team Melli.

Mohammad TAHERI eased the pressure on the team and the fans by scoring Iran’s fourth before Alquis ALVARADO (39’21”) scored from a stunning shot seconds before the whistle. It was a goal too late for the Panamanians who displayed good spirit but coud not match Iran’s skill and experience.

Esmailpour ,  Ahmadi and Rahnama received yellow cards in this match,

With 2 wins and a draw , Iran finished 2nd in the group behind Spain on same points but inferior goal difference. Team Melli will be playing against the second of group F in the last 16 round on November 11th in Bangkok. The opponents will be either Guatemala or Colombia.