Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated the Islamic Republic of Iran after they became the first Asian team since 1992 to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA Futsal World Cup following their 4-3 win over Paraguay on Saturday (local time).
“I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Islamic Republic of Iran for their historic victory. The whole of the Asia is behind IR Iran who have shown immense determination and competitive spirit throughout the competition.
“As envisaged in the AFC’s Vision and Mission, I hope their qualification to the semi-finals will serve only to spur Asian teams to aspire towards greater achievements on the world stage.”
Earlier in the competition, IR Iran stunned the futsal world after eliminating FIFA Futsal World Cup holders Brazil, winning 3-2 on penalties, after a captivating 4-4 draw in extra time.
On Saturday’s quarter-final match, Ahmed Esmailpour struck deep into extra time to see off Paraguay 4-3 in an incredible climax in Bucaramanga, setting up a semi-final clash against Russia, who defeated current European champions Spain in the other semi-final clash in Cali.
IR Iran will now face Russia on Tuesday (local time) in Medellín for the coveted place in the final of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016.
Photo: FIFA/Getty Images