Preview - Group A: IR Iran wary of challengers
Tabriz: Islamic Republic of Iran are entering the 2019 AFC U-20 Futsal Championship as hosts and defending champions but for head coach Hamid Moghadam, that won't be an advantage.
When IR Iran lifted the inaugural AFC U-20 Championship title 2017, Moghadam was assistant to Ali Sanei, but the head coach says much has improved in Asian futsal since IR Iran’s 2017 triumph and he believes his team face a huge challenge.
“Although we were champions of the previous edition, futsal has developed in Asia,” said Moghadam during the Pre-Match Press Conference in Tabriz on Thursday.
“In the U-20 category, we can’t compare and judge an edition with the other. However, our expectation is to win the championship, and we know that other teams have the same goals. However, we are determined to win the title again."
Iran open their campaign against Hong Kong, who entered the Finals as replacements for Saudi Arabia, on Friday.
AFC U-20 Futsal Championship 2019
It is a tie that Hong Kong head coach Chan Fei Tat described as a tough challenge, but the East Asians have prepared for the defending champions.
“We are very happy and lucky to be in the Finals,” Chan admitted. “Although we only had two months of preparation, our team is ready.
“We watched videos of Iran and how they played in the previous tournament. We will arrange a suitable approach for that. We are up against really strong teams in this group, but we will do our best to reach the knockout stage.”
Afghanistan will have the advantage of witnessing their group rivals in action before they take on Hong Kong, and head coach Abdul Razaq Momrak said his team are determined to shine.
“Qualifying for this tournament is important for us, it is a motivation,” said Momrak.
“Although we had a short preparation, we want to bring joy and happiness to the Afghan people through this tournament. Every victory is an achievement for our people.”
Source: the-afc.com
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