Iran edge China to fight for one of three World Cup slots
Iran came back from two goals down take their place among the best four sides in the continent after edging out China in a tense top of the table clash.
The Iranians came into the decider in brilliant form, but were guilty of a schoolboy error when Ahmadzadeh’s misdirected backpass found his own goal. Iran then had goalkeeper Hosseini to thank for keeping the score at 1-0, displaying superb reactions to deny Lui’s rocket from a dead ball.
Still, Ongaro’s China remained determined to ruin Iran’s evening, as Han finished off a great counterattack to give the Chinese a two-goal lead going into the first break.
Iran quickly re-grouped and commenced a heroic comeback, with number 10 Mesigar central to their resurgence, reducing the deficit to 2-1 before Naderi headed home a pinpoint cross to bring the sides levels.
Mesigar completed his brace inside the last minute of the second period to give the Persians a decisive advantage. And, having taken the lead, they made their vast experience count to limit China’s chances and see the game out.
Mokhtari put the icing on the cake midway through the third segment, crushing China’s semi final dreams.
The final whistle sent Iran into the semi finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2013 – Asian Qualifier Qatar, where they will have a chance to fight for a place in Tahiti.
“Iran have too much experience. There was too much pressure, but, we’ve improved a lot,” said China’s coach Rosario Ongaro after the narrow loss.
Goals: 0-1: Ahmadzadeh, min. 5 (1); 0-2: Han, min. 0 (1); 1-2: Mesigar, min. 0 (1); 2-2: Naderi, min. 3 (2) 3-2: Mesigar, min. 1 (2); 4-2: Mokhtari, min. 8 (3);
Iran will meet UAE in the semi-final to book its place for the Beach Football world cup in Tahiti.
Matches for tomorrow Fri 25.01.13
14:00 – Philippines vs Uzbekistan (Play-off for the 13th place)
14:00 – Iraq vs Saudi Arabia (Play-off for the 9th place)
15.15 – Afghanistan vs Bahrain (Play-off for the 9th place)
15.15 – China vs Palestine (Play-off for the 5th place)
16:30 – Oman vs Lebanon (Play-off for the 5th place)
17:45 – Qatar vs Thailand (Play-off for the 13th place)
19:00 – IRAN VS UAE (SEMIFINAL 1)
20:15 – AUSTRALIA VS JAPAN (SEMIFINAL 2)