Bangkok: A spot in the 2017 AFC U-20 Futsal Championship final will be decided on Wednesday when Iraq and Uzbekistan meet in Bangkok Arena.
The Iraqis impressed with their strong defensive qualities and their clinical quick counters after their narrow 1-0 victory over Japan on Monday. Both sides started cautiously, before Hamzah Abbas’s sole goal in the 19th minute proved to be the match winner against a very discipline Japanese side.
“Japan played a very strict game and I applaud Japan for their efforts, but we were better in our control and tactics,” said Ali Talib whilst reflecting on their previous match.
“During the half-time break, we analysed Japan’s playing style and we matched our tactics to them in the second-half. We countered their offence and defence well, hence our victory.”
The 30-year-old coach who led Naft Al Wasat to second place at the 2016 AFC Futsal Club Championship remained confident and focused ahead of their match against Uzbekistan.
“Uzbekistan is strong, but we will beat whoever is necessary to reach the finals and lift the trophy in the end.”
Uzbekistan’s place in the semi-finals was in jeopardy when they were forced into extra-time against Mongolia, but Akbar Usmonov stepped up to claim four more goals, bringing his personal tally to 13 goals, to seal their spot in the last four.
Uzbekistan’s head coach Jose Maria Pazos Mendez acknowledged that teams at this stage of the tournament are strong and praised Mongolia for the close encounter. “We knew Mongolia were a strong team because all the teams who reached the quarter-finals were there on merit.
“It was a tough game, but we went into extra-time with a plan in mind, and we executed it perfectly.
“There is going to be no difference tomorrow against Iraq who are strong physically and strategically. We will try to accomplish what we have planned, not just to reach the finals but win the tournament.”
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com