Qantas Futsalroos go down to IR Iran at AFC Futsal Champions

Qantas Futsalroos go down to IR Iran at AFC Futsal Championships by 3-9

The Qantas Futsalroos have been defeated 3-9 at the hand's of IR Iran in their second match of the AFC Futsal Championships in Tashkent last night.

Mohammadreza Zahmatkesh put IR Iran ahead in the fourth minute before Mohammad Taheri added a second for his side four minutes later.

Peter Spathis kept the Qantas Futsalroos in the match with some fantastic goalkeeping and a counterattack in the ninth minute saw Dan Fogarty reduce the deficit before Greg Giovenali's penalty kick levelled the score after he was fouled in the box.

Mohammad Nasrabadi put IR Iran ahead two minutes later but once again the Qantas Futsalroos fought back through Tom Rogic's 18th minute goal to send the teams into the break on even terms.

The second half saw the Qantas Futsalroos defend well and counterattack at every opportunity. Goals from Zahmatkesh and Taheri allowed IR Iran to go ahead but the Qantas Futsalroos were still in the game until the last five minutes when while goals from Javad Asgharimoghaddam, Ali Rahnama and a brace from Mostafa Tayyebi sealed the win.

After the match interview, Knight was pleased with the his team-s performance despite the final score line.

“Once we knew we could not win the game, I played some of the younger players to give them valuable match experience against the best team in Asia.

“Our goal keeper Peter Spathis had a great game, but I was very happy with all the players.

“Today the Iranian-s won due to their superior fitness and ball skills,” concluded Knight.

In the other group B match, Tajikistan defeated Kuwait 4-3.

The Qantas Futsalroos final group match of the tournament will be tonight (25 May) against Tajikistan (kick-off 3pm local).