Host Brazil defeated Iran 4-3 to win the title in final of the Grand Prix du Futsal 2015 .
The full packed arena was stunned when Iran took the lead through Ghodrat Bahdorani , however that Iranian lead did not last more than a minute when Diego equalized for the host and defending champions.
FIRST HALF
Brazil then took the lead through No 14 Rodrigo to make it 2-1, before the star of the team Falcao made it 3-1 on counter attack. Falcao cleverly steals the ball from Tayyebi and goes one on one with Iran keeper beating him with a delicate placement of the ball into the net.
Iran stood well against the Brazilians , with some solid defending. They matched Brazil in all departments however luck abandoned Iran with at least 3 balls hitting the woodwork and bouncing back.
Brazil took a COMFORTABLE 3-1 lead into the second half with their players oozing with confidence.
SECOND HALF
In the second half, the story was completely different. Iran started very strongly in similar fashion to the first , however an own goal after they failed to capitalize on a quick counter attack , was met by a swift Brazilian counter. The ball from a atme cross hit an advancing Iranian player and eluded the keeper into the goal. A gaol against the run of play , Joy for Brazil and a heart-break for Iran.
Brazil were leading Iran 4-1 now and early in the second half too. Their players were looking forward to a leisurely quarter of an hour left. Iran, however, had other ideas.
The second half could have easily been labeled as “Iranian domination”. The young Team Melli futsal players displayed some brilliant footwork , teamwork and splendid show of force. Some of the finishing was disappointing especially during the counter attacks however , they persevered in this half , dominated and were nothing short of magnificent. Iran dominated Brazil in front of their own fans. Very few teams have ever done that in futsal.
Iran domination bore fruit soon: 10:30 left . when Mahdi Javid scores for Iran. Javid slams the ball into the roof of the Brazilian goal making the score 4-2. The host is feeling the heat now with the crowds going quiet.
6:50 left: Brazil goalkeeper sees red , after he denied Iran’s Tayyebi a scoring chance on a 1 to 1 situation. The reserve keeper responded with a brilliant save to deny Iran a third goal..
3:29 Iran scores with Hossein Tayyebi from a rebound after a quick counter attack. Brazil keeper saves the initial the shoot but parries the ball ahead of Tayyebi who took it with a vengeance and scores the rebound in the net. Brazil lead is cut to one with score standing at at 4-3
Brazil Coach had to take a time out to ease the full court pressure by Iran. Coach Mohammad Nazemolshari’e of Iran opts for power play but the Brazilians under so much pressure mange to keep the Iranians at bay with some hard defending. When the final whistle blows, the arena becomes alive with a rapturous Brazilian fans celebrating the most difficult win for the champions in this tournament.
Conclusion
This was one of the most brilliant performances of Iran’s futsal in the last few years despite the loss. Dominating with some slick footwork and solid defending was a delight to watch. The Iranian coach , Mohammad Nazemolshari’e to his full credit, chose to attack the Brazilians at home and the players responded in style.
So , Brazil once again wins the Grand Prix title with the aid the woodwork and some favorable refereeing decisions. Iran stands proud second with some work in progress.
Grand Prix du Futsal 2015
Final Match
Full Time
Brazi 4-3 Iran
Brazil: Diego , Rodrigo , Falcao , (O.G.)
Iran: Ghodrat Bahdorani, Mahdi Javid, Hossein Tayyebi