Iran’s preparation against power play paid off says Soleimani

AFC – NILAI, Coach Farouzan Soleimani said Iran’s preparation for a power playing opponent in the dying minutes of a game paid off during their match against Thailand who they beat 1-0 to seal a spot in the final of the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship on Friday.

The thrilling game was goalless at the break before substitute Zohreh Meisami proved the difference for Iran as she scored her first goal of the campaign eight minutes from time.

But things became tenser for the Iranians as Thailand dangerously shifted into power play mode towards the end of the game with substitute goalkeeper Pannipa Kamolrat getting involved in attacking moves that saw the Thais hit the post twice in a matter of seconds late on.

But Asian Indoor Games Incheon 2013 silver medallists Iran hung on to their slender 1-0 lead to book their passage to Saturday’s final against Japan, who thrashed hosts Malaysia 8-1 in the night’s other semi-final.

“We had prepared heavily against last minute power play, such as that displayed in our final outing against eventual gold medallists Japan at Incheon 2013,” said Soleimani (pictured, centre).

“We have seen Japan’s excellent power play and also we have watched the videos of Thailand’s last minute attempt to turn the game round in previous matches, so we knew what was coming that could have snatched our slender lead away.

“I have to congratulate my players for executing this prepared contingency well. And in the final tomorrow, we have to be even more careful as we have two injured players tonight and a yellow carded player.”

Thailand boss Rakphol Sainetngam lamented their exit from semi-finals of the inaugural continental competition, a repeat of the fate dealt them at Incheon 2013 where they bowed down to Japan at the same stage.

“Losing again in the semi-finals is a sorry experience for us as we don’t have a league for women’s futsal in Thailand, which I hope our association will do something about,” said Sainetngam.

“We will definitely prepare for future competitions and I hope Thailand will be able to progress further from the semi-finals next time. But I have to thank my players for showing true grit to the end. They played hard but luck was not on our side and we’ll be better in the future.”