‘We won’t be just tourists’: Iran’s Torkaman aiming high at Futsal World Cup
Iran’s Maral Torkaman insisted the national team will not go the upcoming Futsal Women’s World Cup “just to be tourists” despite some tough fixtures awaiting the country in the group stage.
The inaugural edition of the flagship international event will kick off on November 21 in Pasig, the Philippines, with Team Melli pitted against Brazil, Italy, and Panama in Group D.
A third-place finish at May’s Asian Cup in China secured Iran’s spot at the World Cup, alongside finalists Japan and Thailand. However, failure to reach the continental final meant that the two-time Asian champion was seeded in Pot 3 of the World Cup draw, and hence, handed a tricky group-stage test.
“Our group at the World Cup is a tough one, but we will still give our all to return home with a decent result. We are not going to the Philippines just to be tourists,” Torkaman told IRNA.
The 22-year-old pivot played an essential part in Iran qualifying for the World Cup, finishing as the top scorer at the Asian Cup with six goals – including a double in the 3-1 victory over the host nation in the decisive third-place contest.
Iran, which was ranked ninth in the latest FIFA World Ranking in August, will get its World Cup campaign underway against eight-time Copa America champion and world No. 1 Brazil on November 23, before taking on Panama three days later.
Shahrzad Mozaffar’s side will hope to be in contention for a top-two finish in the group and a place in the round of 16, when squaring off against world No. 7 Italy at the PhilSports Arena on November 29.
“Personally, I’m thrilled to have the chance to play against top teams like Brazil, Italy, and Panama. I will leave everything on the court to be at my best in all matches. I hope we can make our people proud,” added Torkaman.
As part of the World Cup preparation, Iran will take on Russia in a couple of friendlies in the Russian city of Tula on October 16 and 18, before heading to the Islamic Solidarity Games – starting November 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“The level of competition at the Islamic Solidarity Games is in stark contrast to what we will have to come up against at the World Cup. However, the game against a powerful opponent like Russia is a huge help. Right now, pre-World Cup friendlies are crucial for our preparation,” Torkaman said.
Iran head coach Mozaffar, who took over from Forouzan Soleimani following an under-par Asian Cup campaign, has named a 17-woman squad for the visit to Russia.
Joining Torkaman in the Iranian training camp will be goalkeeper and captain Farzaneh Tavassoli, Nastaran Moqimi, Mahtab Banaei, Nasimeh Sadat Gholami, Fereshteh Karimi, Fereshteh Khosravi, Fatemeh Rahmati, Elham Anafcheh, Zahra Kianimanesh, Atefeh Barqi, Shirin Saffar, Zahra Lotfabadi, Sara Shirbeigi, Mahsa Kamali, Mahdieh Mahmoudinia, and Tahereh Mahdipour.