Uzbekistan to face Iran in AFC Women's Futsal Championship

Both Uzbekistan and Islamic Republic of Iran have already secured their place in Wednesday’s quarter finals but, with finishing top of Group D potentially crucial, both sides will be aiming for a win on Matchday Three.

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN v UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan’s 3-1 win over Turkmenistan was cause for celebration for Avaz Maksumov’s side, as they secured safe passage to the knockout stage, but the head coach will surely rue the chaotic series of events that occurred in the final moments.

With goalkeeper Laylo Tilovova already having been shown a red card in the first half, replacement shot-stopper Maftna Jonimqulova was disastrously also given her marching orders for handling the ball outside the penalty area just two seconds before full time.

It means Uzbekistan must now face reigning champions Iran, who scored 14 goals in their first match, without their top two goalkeepers, and Maksumov conceded he may need to alter his approach.

“Of course against Iran it will very difficult for us, and not only because we are without the goalkeepers,” he said, adding “even with them it would be difficult, but we will try,”

“Maybe we will be focused only on defending and sometimes maybe a counter attack. “

While reigning champions Iran showed they are a highly formidable side with their Matchday One thrashing of neighbouring Turkmenistan, head coach Sharhzah Mozafar said their fellow Central Asians would pose a different challenge.

“We think Uzbekistan is not an easy opponent, and we think Uzbekistan could be a surprising opponent,” she said.

“For us this is a serious game and the most important thing is that we fight for first place in the group. Uzbekistan will not be like Turkmenistan.”

Winning the group could indeed be crucial. If, as is widely expected, Japan can achieve a draw or better against China PR on Monday, Iran will need to top Group D to avoid setting a replay of the 2015 final.

Mozafar’s side will enter the match after a four-day break, and the head coach said there are always things to work on, even after a 14-0 win.

“If you win with a high score but you lack something you still have to improve on that,” she said.

“We will identify our weaknesses, work on them and improve.”