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FIFA Futsal World Cup:
Shamsaei rejects tanking accusations as Iran lands Morocco in last-16
The defeat proved to be a blessing in disguise for France as the runner-up finish in the group meant the World Cup debutants will face a rather easier opponent in Thailand in the knockout stage.
Chances were few and far between in a goalless first half in Bukhara Universal Sports Complex before Salar Aghapour scored either side of strikes from Moslem Oladghobad and Alireza Rafieipour for Iran after the break, with Mamadou Toure pulling one back late for the European side.
Aghapour has now scored six goals at this year’s event. The only Iranians to net more in one World Cup edition are Hashem Heidari (eight in 1996) and Saeid Rajabi (17 in 1992).
A perfect record in the group stage was a historic first for the Iranians, who are eager to improve on a best-ever World Cup result in 2016, when Team Melli defeated Portugal in the shootout to finish third.
However, the awkward proceedings in the first half and the manner in which Iran’s goals went in sparked scrutiny from some pundits and futsal fans on social media, who suggested that neither side, particularly France, was keen to win the group as it would have meant a much tougher path toward the semifinals.
Runner-up to defending champion Portugal in Group E, Morocco was a World Cup quarterfinalist in the previous edition and won a third successive Africa Cup of Nations crown in April, while it was named the Best Men’s National Team in the 2023 FutsalPlanet Awards, with Hicham Dguig rewarded with the Best National Team Coach prize.
The winner of Thursday’s game between the Asian and African champions will likely have to square off against five-time champion Brazil, which will play Costa Rica in the knockouts, in the quarterfinals.
However, Iran head coach Vahid Shamsaei categorically denied accusations of his side’s intention of tanking Sunday’s game, saying it was normal for his men not to go all out for victory as “even a draw would been enough for us to go through as the group winners.”
“I think the critics should get tough on the team that was after it [tanking]. Several of our players came down with the flu before the game and needed to rest. We also had a couple of players suspended and one injured. Even I was not feeling well for today’s game, and, not to mention, we have to be back in action in three days. Everyone is free to make their own decisions,” said the Iranian coach, who was without prolific players Hossein Tayebi and Saeid Ahmad-Abbasi against France.
“We were eager to win the game and we got what we wanted in the second half. We’ve now qualified with nine points and from now on, we will fully be focused on our next game,” Shamsaei added.
Asked about Iran’s daunting knockout path, Shamsaei said: “This is World Cup after all. We’re here to play, not to have fun.”
“Morocco is an excellent team with some magnificent results over the past two or three years. They won the best national team prize last year and their manager was named the best coach.
“Still, we are proud Iranians and will play with heart and soul to succeed. I just hope the team doctors will do their best to make sure the players are in their best form for the match.”