TEHRAN - Iran secured their 13th AFC Futsal Asian Cup title in a dominant display against hosts Thailand in the final match held on Sunday at the Bangkok Arena. The victory marks a record-breaking achievement for Iran, extending their reign as the undisputed kings of Asian futsal.

Team Melli, headed by Vahid Shamsaei defeated Thailand 4-1 at the Bangkok Arena.

*Individual brilliance

Saeid Ahmad Abbasi, Iran's captain, shone brightly throughout the tournament, showcasing his exceptional skills and leadership qualities. His contributions were instrumental in guiding Iran to victory, earning him the well-deserved accolade of Most Valuable Player.

Bagher Mohammadi proved to be a strong presence in Iran's goal during the entire tournament. Iran's success was ensured by his agility, reflexes, and shot-stopping abilities. The tournament awarded him as the best goalkeeper.

*Shamsaei's praise and future ambitions

Shamsaei expressed his immense pride in his team's achievement, acknowledging the sacrifices and hard work that paved the way for their success. He also highlighted the unwavering support of the players' families, recognizing their invaluable contribution to the team's journey.

“Reflecting on the previous tournament, despite scoring plenty of goals throughout, we ultimately lost in the final against Japan. This time, we maintained a high level of concentration,” said Shamsaei.

“I want to express my deep appreciation to all my players for their sacrifice and hard work, especially during the holiday season when we chose to stay back and train. 

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support from their families in allowing them to dedicate themselves to our shared goal. I firmly believe that it's these sacrifices that have shaped our journey towards becoming champions of Asia.”

Shamsaei shifted his focus to the upcoming FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024, expressing his confidence in Iran's potential to excel on the global stage. He emphasized the need for continued support from the federation and acknowledged the contributions of his coaching staff in their success.

*Looking ahead

With their 13th AFC Futsal Asian Cup title secured, Iran now set their sights on the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024. With a squad brimming with talent and a coach in Shamsaei, who has proven his tactical prowess, Iran are poised to make a strong challenge for the world title.

*FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024 Seeding

Iran's impressive performance in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024 has earned them a place in Pot 1 for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024. This top-tier seeding reflects Iran's status as one of the favorites for the global tournament.

The FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024 will be held in Uzbekistan from September 14th to October 6th, 2024. With the tournament set to be a spectacle of world-class futsal, Iran is determined to make their mark on the global stage and bring home the coveted title.