Iran embraces top-tier tests at Futsal World Cup, Tavassoli says
Iranian goalkeeper and captain Farzaneh Tavassoli knows the challenge that lies ahead for her and her teammates at the upcoming Women’s Futsal World Cup but embraces the opportunity to test themselves against the best in the game.
Iran has been drawn alongside futsal heavyweights Brazil and Italy, as well as Panama, in Group D of the inaugural World Cup, which will kick off on November 21 in the Philippines.
Iranian girls will get their campaign underway against eight-time Copa America champion Brazil – the top team in the latest FIFA World Ranking – on November 23, before facing Panama three days later.
The Asian side will hope to be in contention for a top-two finish in the group and a place in the round of 16, when it squares off against world No. 7 Italy on the final day on November 29.
When asked about Iran’s tough draw, Tavassoli said, “Brazil and Italy are top-tier, star-studded teams, but we won’t be intimidated by the magnitude of the task.”
“In fact, matches like these are a huge source of motivation for us. We’ve analyzed Brazil thoroughly; we know their strengths and weaknesses, and will be prepared for any scenario,” the 38-year-old keeper told the official website of the Iranian Football Federation.
“In futsal, everything comes down to belief and focus. They may have more global experience, but we have hearts full of motivation and passion. Our goal is to get the best possible result from every single match,” added the Iranian skipper.
A third-place finish at May’s Asian Cup secured Iran a spot at the World Cup – alongside finalists Japan and Thailand – though it was hardly deemed a satisfying outcome for a nation that had won back-to-back titles in the previous two editions of the continental showpiece.
Following Iran’s underwhelming campaign in China, the sport’s national governing body dismissed head coach Forouzan Soleimani and reinstated Shahrzad Mozaffar, who had led the team to the Asian title in 2018 during her previous tenure.
“The Iranian team has changed; the players are more motivated and disciplined. Our technical staff is doing a fantastic, highly professional job; from fitness to analysis, everything is scientific and precise. When you train with a team like this, you just want to go out and shine on the court – and we are ready to make that happen,” Tavassoli said.
“Iran is now a rejuvenated team with a different mindset. We’re firmly confident that we can stand our ground against any opponent. We push and motivate each other in training because we know that every second of practice could be decisive at the World Cup.”
Iran faced Russia in friendly double-header in Tula two weeks ago, playing to a 2-2 draw in the first game before winning the second outing 4-3.
“The training camps are truly intense, but we find this hard work rewarding because we know we have a great goal ahead of us. Every training session, every in-camp game, and every tactical meeting brings us one step closer to our objective. The coordination among the players improves daily, and the team has reached a strong level of mental and physical consistency.
“There’s a powerful team spirit within the squad. The experienced players support the younger ones, and the younger ones motivate us all with their energy. We are like a family – everyone is working towards the same goal.”
On Iran’s ultimate goal in the Philippines, Tavassoli said, “For us, the World Cup is more than just a tournament; it’s an opportunity to show the world the spirit of Iranian women. We’ll go out there to prove that Iranian talent, dedication, and passion can excel at any level.
“Our matches will undoubtedly be challenging, but I can only promise that we will fight with all we have until the final whistle. Our team is ready to stun the world.”