A hat-trick by Saeid Ahmad Abbasi helped Iran see off a stubborn Guatemala side and cruise into the last 16 of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™.
Guatemala stunned Iran in the first half with a quick counterattack goal to lead 1-0 in the Group F match. However, Ahmad Abbasi’s response was immediate and stunning, leveling the score shortly after.
Head Coach Shasaei employed an interesting game plan, constantly rotating players and taking off four at a time. This strategy seemed to test different player compositions for effectiveness. However, it also left Iran vulnerable, with the CONCACAF team exploiting these rotations. Iran’s goalkeeper had an off day, struggling with poor timing and situational awareness, which allowed Guatemala to capitalize on several occasions.
Despite these challenges, Salar Aghapour (11) and Hossein Tayyebi (14) managed to add to Iran’s tally. However, the resilient Guatemalan team fought back, scoring two more goals to end the first half at 3-3.
In the second half, Iran switched on the style to secure their place in the last 16. Guatemala, with Patrick Ruiz and Marvin Sandoval performing superbly, went into half-time level but had no answer for Team Melli’s onslaught in the second half, particularly from Saeid Ahmad Abbasi.
Salar Aghapour (21), Behrooz Azimi (25), Saeid Ahmad Abbasi (27), Mahdi Karimi (32), Hossein Tayyebi (37), and Saeid Ahmad Abbasi (40) all scored for Iran, leading to a resounding 9-4 victory in Bukhara.
Iran will remain in Bukhara to face France, who won 7-3 against Venezuela, in one of the most anticipated games of the group stage. Meanwhile, Guatemala will head to Tashkent for a must-win meeting with Venezuela.
