Iran Are Asian Beach Soccer Champions 2023!
Iran secured a record-equalling third AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup title after the Central Asians defeated Japan 6-0 in a thrilling AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 Final at the Jomtien Beach Arena in Pattaya on Sunday.
Movahed Mohammadpour snatched the opener before a brace from Ali Mirshekari and a goal each from the tournament's Most Valuable Player Moslem Mesigar and Mohammadali Mokhtari as well as an own goal by Japan's Kosuke Matsuda saw IR Iran draw level with Japan on three titles each.
The AFC President said: "Islamic Republic of Iran have showcased admirable quality throughout the tournament and on behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to congratulate them on sealing their third title.
"We must also recognise Japan on reaching the final and both the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran and the Japan Football Association deserve our praise for the manner in which they have developed the game across all levels.
"The focus of world football will remain in Asia when the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates, and we wish the host, our two finalists and Oman the very best of success ahead of the global showpiece in November," added Shaikh Salman.
"Japan's runners-up finish in Russia two years ago and IR Iran's third place showing in the Bahamas in 2017 exemplifies the AFC's ambitions through its Vision and Mission and I am confident that our Asian teams will continue to be a dominant force in the UAE."
With Pattaya, Thailand providing the ultimate stage for back-to-back editions of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup, Shaikh Salman also heaped praise on the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and conveyed his gratitude to the Football Association of Thailand for staging a successful tournament.
He added: "For the second successive time, the Football Association of Thailand answered the clarion call to stage a truly exceptional competition and we must pay tribute to them and the LOC for their immaculate attention to detail and outstanding hosting capabilities.
"Few nations have hosted as many AFC competitions as Thailand, and we know the LOC and FA Thailand will showcase their remarkable organisational excellence once again when they host the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ in June this year."