IRAN GAINS CONSOLATION WITH PLATE TITLE

Victory over Holland came in the dying moments of the match with a last-gasp goal, earning the Iranians a well-deserved 2-1 win and a winner’s cheque of US$15,000.

It was Majid Latifi, who was the toast of the Iran team when he slotted home the winner with 26 seconds remaining on the clock to break the hearts of the Dutch
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Otherwise, it was touch and go with both sides refusing to give an inch. And the fact that the first period remained scoreless was a true reflection of how tight it was on the court.

It wasn’t until the 30th min when Majid’s corner kick deflected past the arms of Dutch goalkeeper Peter Rozenbeek to give Iran the lead.

But Holland, ranked No 12 in the world, fought back and when the Iranians were penalized with the sending off of their goalkeeper Asghar Ghahremani in the 34th min for handling the ball outside the D, Antoine Merlinho stepped forward to hit the free kick home.

Extra time loomed large until Majid came up with the winner, which left the Dutch camp stunned and the Iranians leaping with joy.

“This is a victory well earned and believe me, it was futsal at its best. Both teams displayed such high quality. Our only regret was not being in the final to play Brazil because we thought we were good enough to do so,” said team manager Abas Torabian.

“But we have enjoyed the tournament very much despite the ups and downs and for us. There is the Asian Championship in Bangkok this May where we need to defend our title.”

FIXTURES and RESULTS (3 Feb 2008)

Bowl Final: England vs China (3-5)
Plate Final: Holland vs Iran (1-2)
KL World 5s Final: Argentina vs Brazil (7.00pm)