Iran coach Ali Doustimehr believes his team is getting better with each game and wants his players to maintain this momentum.TASHKENT – Coach Ali Doustimehr has challenged Iran to continue their progress in Sunday’s AFC U-16 Championship quarter-final after winning Group A with a 100% record following a comfortable 4-1 win over Singapore on Wednesday.
Wins over Bahrain and Uzbekistan had already secured Iran’s place in the last eight allowing Doustimehr to rest several players, but his side still delivered a professional performance to hand Singapore their third defeat in as many games.
Mehrgan Golbarg’s first half goal, a spectacular strike from Ali Darvishi, an own goal from Kenneth Chang and late tap-in from Farhad Gholizadeh wrapped up the win, while Muhammad Al-Qaasimy handed Singapore a boost with their first goal of the tournament in the closing stages.
“I have said after each game, each time we play, step-by-step, we are playing better. We must play better in the quarter-final,” said Doustimehr.
“It was not important for us and Singapore as we had already qualified with six points and Singapore could not advance to the next round. But I was pleased as we played very well and did a good job technically and were very strong.”
The only concern for Iran was an ankle injury to Golbarg, who was stretchered off just before the break following a 50-50 challenge, with Doustimehr awaiting results of an MRI scan to determine the extent of the injury.
“I can’t comment about our number six at this stage. The doctor must examine him and we will also wait for the results of the MRI scan to determine what is wrong and if we will be able to play,” added Doustimehr.
“But any team who wants to reach the World Cup must have a good squad and I have several players who can play in each position.”
Singapore’s Japanese coach Masanga Kageyama was happy with his side’s spirited display, but was also pleased to end a tournament which has been riddled with problems.
“Despite the scoreline the team played well, followed my instructions and gave 100%,” he said.
“We needed to respect Iran as they have a very strong attacking team so we focused on defending, but unfortunately we have had so many problems and were without three important players through illness.
“Only one or two of the players in the squad have avoided problems during this tournament after players were in hospital for the first game with fever and diarrhoea.”
Source:The AFC.com
