Tag: Salar Aghapour

Iran Futsal, the challange ahead.

Despite securing victories in their opening matches, Iran’s Futsal Team Melli revealed several points of concern in their performances at the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup in Jakarta. While the results were positive, the team’s tactical execution and finishing lacked the sharpness expected of defending champions.

Defensively, the team has appeared uncharacteristically vulnerable, with gaps emerging that more formidable opponents—such as Thailand, Japan, and Uzbekistan—will be poised to exploit. Goalkeeper Bagher Mohammadi has often been the last line of salvation, repeatedly covering for errors made in front of him. In attack, a lack of composure and precision has been evident, with numerous attempts on goal missing the necessary accuracy and focus.

Iran’s match against Saudi Arabia highlighted these issues. The Saudis effectively contained Iran through aggressive pressing and disciplined man-to-man marking, forcing uncharacteristic mistakes. Coach Vahid Shamsaei must devise reliable solutions to counteract such high-pressure tactics, as every opponent from here on will present a sterner challenge. That begins with Afghanistan, Iran’s next opponent. The Afghan team arrives in splendid form, having scored ten goals while conceding only once in their first two matches. They combine individual skill with cohesive, reactive team play, posing a significant threat. If Iran does not urgently address its shortcomings, both tactical and psychological, this could become a historic occasion for Afghan futsal.

Compounding the tactical concerns is the team’s palpable lack of emotional intensity. The body language of several players has suggested disheartenment or disengagement, with celebrations muted even after scoring. This emotional vulnerability is something opponents will gladly exploit. While external factors—including the prevailing situation in Iran—undoubtedly weigh on the players, affecting their mental state, the coaching and administrative staff must find ways to bolster morale and focus. This psychological preparation is as critical as any tactical adjustment.

Individually, Salar Aghapour remains Iran’s standout performer. However, key players need to elevate their games. Captain Hossein Tayebi, wearing a protective face guard due to a nose injury, has struggled with his shooting accuracy. Ahmad Abbasi’s decision-making has at times seemed erratic, resulting in rushed shots that are often blocked. Even the typically brilliant dribbler Moslem Olaghabad has looked uncharacteristically subdued, losing several one-on-one duels.

From what has been observed across the tournament, this edition appears to be the most competitive in years, making Iran’s title defense a formidable challenge. The path ahead is daunting, but the hope remains that Team Melli can rise to the occasion, overcome its current struggles, and reaffirm its regional supremacy by reclaiming the trophy. The coming matches will be a true test of Character, skill and spirit.

Aghapour vows to repay coach’s faith in him

Jakarta: Salar Aghapour is grateful for the trust placed in him by head coach Vahid Shamsaee after the 26-year-old played a starring role in Iran’s 4-1 win over Malaysia in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ Group D opener on Wednesday.
The Iran squad is a mix of senior and junior players, with Shamsaae having admitted prior to the tournament that he’s looking to refresh the squad with Aghapour one of those in the latter camp.

Still only 26, Aghapour is living his dream of playing for the national team and more importantly, getting to work with one of game’s most notable names.

“We are a family, we are all working together and playing for each other,” said Aghapour. “That comes from the coaching staff, Vahid Shamsaee is one of the best as the head coach.
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“When he gives me a chance to play, I’m trying to do my best, playing with others and others with me. When you see me play more, it’s not about me but about the trust that my coaches and teammates have in me.

“Shamsaee is one of the real legends of the game – not only in Iran but also the world – and I will do my best to learn everything I can from him.”
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Iran will next take on Saudi Arabia on Friday with Aghapour stressing the defending champions can only get better once they have adapted to the surface and conditions at Jakarta International Velodrome.

“We could have shown better quality but this is our first game in a new stadium and I believe that game by game, we will get better as we get used to the floor. We will be able to show way better quality.”

Firm start by Iran Futsal Team

Jakarta: Iran’s title defence started with a 4-1 win against Malaysia in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ Group D tie on Wednesday.

With the win, Iran joined Afghanistan, who beat Saudi Arabia 3-0 earlier in the day, on maximum points.

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Malaysia forced Bagher Mohammadi into making two early saves, both efforts from Awalluddin Nawi but it was Iran who would take the lead inside the opening minute.

A mix-up between goalkeeper Syaifuddin Syukri and Saad Sani saw what was supposed to be an easy gather turned into a simple tap-in for Mohammadhossein Derakhshani.

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Mohammadi came to the rescue of Iran again in the fifth minute, coming out of his goalmouth to stop a marauding Firdaus Ambiah who had broken through the last line of defence.

Similarly, Syaifuddin had to work hard to prevent the gap from widening, making a smart reflex swing to tip away Salar Aghapour’s rasping drive in the 10th minute and then sticking his leg out in the 18th to clear a volley from the same player before Hossein Tayebi cracked a shot against the post just before the break. 

Group D: IR Iran v Malaysia

After the interval, Malaysia continued to soak up Iran’s pressure with the occasional counter attacks looking dangerous but the reigning champions’ efficiency came to the fore in the 25th minute.

Aghapour – from the kick-in – teed up Behrooz Azimi for a precise low strike into the bottom corner which Syaifuddin could do nothing about.

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Iran were brimming with confidence now, adding a third a minute later when Tayebi capitalised on a Malaysian mistake to fire home from the edge of the semi-circle.

Moslem Oladghobad added another for Iran in the 28th minute with Malaysia netting a late consolation through Awalluddin. 

Iran sink France to win group F

Salar Aghapour starred as IR Iran downed France to win Group F at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024.

Iran’s futsal team outclassed France to win Group F at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™. Salar Aghapour was once again the hero for Team Melli, scoring twice to take his tally to the tournament to six. Iran will now play Morocco in a mouth-watering last-16 match-up. France, for their part, faces an easier-on-paper game against Thailand.

While missing several players due to illness and two due suspension, Iran was in full control of the game but their appetite for scoring was not evident. France, likewise was content with distributing the ball and waiting for a quick counterattack.

Salar Aghapour opened the scoring for Iran with Oladghobad and Rafieipour adding to the tally to make it 3-0, before Agahpour added a fourth to make it 4-0. Mamadou Toure scored France’s consolation goal for the match to end 4-1.

France lost to Portugal 4-1 in an earlier match and will be Team Melli’s next opponent in the round of 16 in Bukhara on 26th September. Winning that match, Iran will most probably meet Brazil in the quarter-finals.

France goals: Mamadou Toure (37) IR Iran goals: Salar Aghapour (25), Moslem Oladghobad (28), Alireza Rafieipour (30), Salar Aghapour (37) Player of the Match: Moslem Oladghobad (IR Iran)

Ahmad Abbasi treble helps see Iran through.

A hat-trick by Saeid Ahmad Abbasi helped Iran see off a stubborn Guatemala side and cruise into the last 16 of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™.

Guatemala stunned Iran in the first half with a quick counterattack goal to lead 1-0 in the Group F match. However, Ahmad Abbasi’s response was immediate and stunning, leveling the score shortly after.

Head Coach Shasaei employed an interesting game plan, constantly rotating players and taking off four at a time. This strategy seemed to test different player compositions for effectiveness. However, it also left Iran vulnerable, with the CONCACAF team exploiting these rotations. Iran’s goalkeeper had an off day, struggling with poor timing and situational awareness, which allowed Guatemala to capitalize on several occasions.

Despite these challenges, Salar Aghapour (11) and Hossein Tayyebi (14) managed to add to Iran’s tally. However, the resilient Guatemalan team fought back, scoring two more goals to end the first half at 3-3.

In the second half, Iran switched on the style to secure their place in the last 16. Guatemala, with Patrick Ruiz and Marvin Sandoval performing superbly, went into half-time level but had no answer for Team Melli’s onslaught in the second half, particularly from Saeid Ahmad Abbasi.

Salar Aghapour (21), Behrooz Azimi (25), Saeid Ahmad Abbasi (27), Mahdi Karimi (32), Hossein Tayyebi (37), and Saeid Ahmad Abbasi (40) all scored for Iran, leading to a resounding 9-4 victory in Bukhara.

Iran will remain in Bukhara to face France, who won 7-3 against Venezuela, in one of the most anticipated games of the group stage. Meanwhile, Guatemala will head to Tashkent for a must-win meeting with Venezuela.

Futsal Team Melli powers to 13th title

SUN, 28 APRIL, 2024

Bangkok: I Iran waltzed their way to a record-extending 13th title with a 4-1 win over Thailand in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Thailand 2024 final on Sunday. 

Iran seized control from the start at the Bangkok Arena to deny Thailand a maiden title as the Central Asian side made up for losing to Japan in the decider of the 2022 edition.

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Iran head coach Vahid Shamsaei was glad his side had redeemed themselves from losing the 2022 final.

“I remember the day I lost the 2022 final against Japan. I had to apologize to everyone, especially to the Iranian fans. Today, I’m happy that they stayed patient with me and I want to dedicate this trophy to everyone back home, especially my late father, who did not see me win the trophy as a head coach,” said Shamsaei.

Thailand head coach Miguel Rodrigo felt his side could have done better.

“I’m very sad for the Thailand fans, they truly deserve another game. We played with our hearts and I will never forget this day, that we played in the final at Bangkok Arena. I’m very disappointed but at the same time, we lost to a superior team,” said Rodrigo.

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Iran got off to a fine start, taking the lead in the first minute off a set-piece situation when Salar Aghapour teed-up Mahdi Karimi, who finished into the bottom corner of the net from the top of the arc.

Thailand, despite being urged on by the partisan crowd, struggled to break through, with Krit Aransanyalak finding his advances on the right flank consistently halted by Iran’s solid defending.

Thailand keeper Arut Senbat was kept on his toes, having to block Karimi’s forced drive from the left flank, before seeing Alireza Rafiei Pour pull his effort wide from inside the box.

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The hosts had their first look on goal in the fourth minute when Alongkorn Janphon lost his marker at the centre before playing the ball square to the advancing Therdsak Charoenphong, who fired his effort over the bar.

A lapse in concentration saw Thailand concede again in the fifth minute when Mohammadreza Sangsefidi played the ball on for the overlapping Moslem Oladghobad on the right flank, who supplied a pinpoint cross for Saeid Ahmad Abbasi to score his eighth goal of the tournament. 

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Thailand refused to concede defeat, with Suphawut Thueanklang seeing his set-piece effort saved by Iran keeper Bagher Mohammadi, who then did well to force Panut Kittipanuwong’s shot wide in a one on one situation.

The onus was on Thailand to find their way back and they did so in spectacular fashion in the 25th minute when Jirawat Sornwichian exchanged passes with Muhammad Osamanmusa before darting through centre and chipping the ball over Mohammadi.

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A relentless Iran responded two minutes later off a set-piece situation when Sangsefidi lofted the perfect cross to an unmarked Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh to volley home to regain their two-goal advantage.

Thailand, desperate to reduce the deficit in the second half, opted for the power play, but the move proved costly in the 34th minute as Mohammadi gained possession in his area before lofting the ball over to score Iran’s fourth to confirm his nation’s 13th AFC Futsal Asian Cup title. 

.Futsal Team Melli to the final match

Bangkok: Goalkeeper Bagher Mohammadi was the star a Iran defeated Uzbekistan 5-4 on penalties after their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand™ 2024 semi-final ended 3-3 after extra-time on Friday.

Mohammadi saved two spot-kicks as Iran advanced to Sunday’s final against hosts Thailand, with the Central Asian side seeking a record-extending 13th AFC Futsal Asian Cup title. 

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Iran earned a free-kick in a dangerous position just seconds into the tie but Uzbekistan were quick to snuff out the attempt, with Ikhtiyor Ropiev playing the ball on for the overlapping Khusniddin Nishonov, who dragged his effort just inches off the right post.

It was a tense opening minutes with neither side giving an inch of space with Iran’s Salar Aghapour seeing his effort from a distance saved by Uzbekistan keeper Abbos Elmurodov, while at the other end Aghapour needed to step in to foil Ilkhomjon Khamroev’s challenge.

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Iran, however, struck in the third minute when Aghapour weaved his way down the left flank before unleashing his shot which took a deflection off Uzbekistan’s Mashrab Adilov before settling in the back of the net.

Uzbekistan, however, fought back and drew level in the ninth minute with Sunatulla Juraev’s free-kick from distance beating a diving Bagher Mohammadi.

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It was end to end action with Iran keeping Elmurodov busy with an array of shots from Saeid Ahmad Abbasi, while Mohammadi was also tested when he had to keep out Khamroev’s effort.

It was Uzbekistan who scored next, Abror Akhmetzyanov initially deflecting Mohammadhossein Derakhshani’s pass, with Khamroev then laying the ball for Nishonov to set up Akhmetzyanov for a simple tap-in.

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Iran turned up the tempo in the second half and drew level in the 24th minute when the unfortunate Akhmetzyanov turned in Moslem Oladghobad’s free-kick from the left flank.

Uzbekistan suffered another blow in the 27th minute when Adilov received his marching orders after picking up his second yellow card leaving the door open for Iran, who retook the lead two minutes later.

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Aghapour sent a delightful cross to an unmarked Behrooz Azimihematabadi, who had the simplest of touches to put the ball into the back of the net from close range leaving Elmurodov stunned.

Iran, however, suffered a lapse in concentration in the 35th minute when Juraev dispossessed Mahdi Karimi on the right flank before supplying the cross for Akhmetzyanov to slot home the equaliser in an unattended goal.

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Abbasi came close to scoring in the closing stages of the first period when his angled overhead kick sailed above the bar, while Ropiev forced a fine fingertip save from Mohammadi with the Iranian custodian saved Nishonov’s effort from distance.

Mohammadi then saved the first and sixth Uzbekistan spot-kicks as Iran moved within a match of yet another AFC Futsal Asian Cup title. 

Futsal Team Melli turn on the power

Iran booked their place in the semi-finals of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand™ 2024 after defeating the Kyrgyz Republic 6-1 in their last-eight tie at the Bangkok Arena on Wednesday.

The win meant the 12-time champions also punched their ticket to the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024, with a meeting against Uzbekistan or Vietnam in Friday’s semi-finals.

Kyrgyz Republic, meanwhile, will need to wait for the outcome of the day’s last quarter-final between Uzbekistan and Vietnam to learn whether their campaign has concluded, or they will return to action in Friday’s playoffs.

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Iran head coach Vahid Shamsaei said his players found the opening minutes difficult as they were not used to the court conditions.

“We had to acclimatize to the conditions of the court surface as we did not play in this arena in the group stage. However, the players knew what they had to do and we had the perfect second half,” said Shamsaei.

“I’m proud of my players as we also qualified for the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan later this year. Even though Japan are not here in this competition, the quality of the other teams has improved.”

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Kyrgyz Republic head coach Luis Molina was proud of his players despite the heavy defeat.

“I think we played a very good first half but unfortunately for us, we had two players absent due to suspension. We were fighting for 20 minutes with Iran and this was not an easy level. As we approached the end of second half, the players were fatigued,” said Molina.

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Kyrgyz Republic, who lost all their three previous encounters against Iran, had the first look at goal in the opening minute when keeper Bekbolot Akmataliev sent a long ball for Daniiar Talaibekov, who couldn’t get his header on target.

Akmataliev’s reflexes were put to the test moments later when he thwarted Salar Aghapour’s grounded effort and then kept out Behrooz Azimihematabadi twice before the Iran No 14 was denied by the bar followed by a block on Ali Khalilvand’s effort from distance.

Iran continued pressing and broke the deadlock in the seventh minute when Azimi found space down the centre to strike the ball into the top right corner of the net.

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Kyrgyz Republic responded immediately, equalizing a minute later when Akmataliev squared the ball to Amanbaev Donierbek, who beat his marker on the turn before slotting home a grounded effort, leaving Iran keeper Bagher Mohammadi stunned.


Iran restored their lead two minutes later when they were awarded a free-kick with Aghapour curling his effort over the wall and into the top right corner.

Kyrgyz Republic fell further behind three minutes after the restart when they were caught on the counter-attack when Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh played on the ball for Saeid Abbasi to strike home from just above the arc past a diving Akmataliev.

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Despite Kyrgyz Republic’s best efforts, Iran scored their fourth in the 25th minute after Abbasi gained possession before squaring it to Hassanzadeh to tee up Mahdi Karimi to slot the ball through the legs of Akmataliev.

Karimi doubled his tally in the 35th minute after collecting the ball off Aghapour’s cutback from the left flank to slot home on the turn from the top of the box before Hassanzadeh made it 6-1 from the penalty spot.

Group C: Iran end group stage with another sizzling show

the-afc.com
Sunday, 02 October 2022
Kuwait City:  Defending champions Iran defeated Lebanon 9-0 to end their AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Kuwait 2022  Group C campaign with a perfect record of three wins on Sunday.
The 12-time champions will face Vietnam in the quarter-finals, having booked their place in the knockout stage with a match to spare.
Iran were left frustrated by Lebanon’s early resistance with the West Asians threatening in the third minute through Fadi Greij’s shot, while at the other end Saeid Ahmad Abbasi did well to control Saeid Momen’s long throw but hit his half-volley high above the bar.
Iran gradually took control with Hossein Tayebibidgoli missing the target from just inside the box before Mohammadhossein Bazyar’s forced effort off a corner was easily collected by Lebanon keeper Karim Joueidi.
Iran finally broke the deadlock in the eighth minute with Salar Aghapour netting a beautiful individual effort, shooting into the top right corner.
Alireza Shahkhali was twice denied by the bar before he set up Tayebibidgoli in the 17th minute for the second goal, with Mustafa Rhyem then scoring an own goal.
Lebanon suffered more woe after Mouhammad Hammoud was forced out of the game through injury in the 18th minute, with Moslem Oladghobad then adding Iran’s fourth from distance.
There was no denying Iran’s superiority as they scored their fifth goal a minute into the restart through Bahman Jafari’s long-range effort before Oladghobad netted again seven minutes later.
Bahman Jafari’s long-range effort before Oladghobad netted again seven minutes later.
Lebanon tried to stem the tide but their efforts fell flat as Iran stretched their lead in the 27th minute with Mahdi Karimi scoring from the halfway line into an unattended goalmouth before Aghapour added his second goal five minutes later from close range.
Tayebibidgoli capped the victory in the 39th minute, beating two defenders on the turn before slotting home.

Group C

RANK TEAM P W D L F A GD PTS
1
IRAN
 3 3 0 0 24 1 23 9
2
INDONESIA
 3 2 0 1 11 8 3 6
3
CHINESE TAIPEI
 3 0 1 2 3 15 -12 1
4
LEBANON
 3 0 1 2 3 17 -14 1

Iran futsal starts the defense of the title with a win.

the-afc.com
Kuwait City: Defending champions Iran showed they mean business with a 5-0 win over Indonesia in Group C of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Kuwait 2022 on Wednesday.
Twelve-time champions Iran cruised to a three-goal lead at half-time, leaving Indonesia with no chance of mounting a comeback.
Iran, playing with a cast missing most of the big names from their previous campaigns, started brightly and their aggression almost resulted in the opening goal when Mohammadhossein Derakhshani teed up Saeid Ahmad Abbasi, who flashed his effort above the bar.
Pegged in their own half, Indonesia were lucky to escape again in the second minute when Salar Aghapour displayed neat footwork before trying from distance but keeper Muhamad Nazil Purnama was up to the challenge.
Iran finally found the opening goal a minute later from a set-piece situation with Derakhshani setting up Ahmad Abbasi, who struck the ball home from just after the halfway line.
The goal rattled the Indonesians and another lapse in concentration moments later allowed Ahmad Abbasi to waltz into the area before cutting back for Moslem Oladghobad to score from above the arc.
Indonesia, despite being limited to counter-attacks, gave Iran a scare in the fifth minute when Samuel Eko pushed forward to set up Mochammad Iqbal Rahmattulah, whose attempt from an acute angle just failed to find the target.
That, however, boosted Indonesia but Iran goalkeeper Saeid Momeni denied Eko’s shot from close range moments later and Reza Gunawan’s follow-up from above the arc.
Iran continued to dictate the tempo and scored their third goal in the 10th minute following Mahdi Asadshir’s delightful curling effort, with the player striking the ball from the left flank with Muhamad Nazil rooted on the line.
Indonesia enjoyed a good start in the second half with the Southeast Asian side dictating the pace of the game, however, their urgency left them open in defense as Iran struck their fourth in the 23rd minute following Abassi’s fine effort.

Two minutes later, it was Hossein Tayebibidgoli’s turn to get on the scoresheet with the two-time AFC Futsal Asian Cup Top Scorer blasting his effort from above the area into the net following Oladghobad’s through pass.

Muhamad Nazil then denied Tayebi his second goal from the penalty spot in the 28th minute but it was a case of job done for Iran, who will play Chinese Taipei next while Indonesia will be hoping to collect three points when they face Lebanon on Friday.