FIFA - Asian heavyweights Iran came from two goals behind to secure a 2-2 draw against six-time European champions Spain in their FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012 opener at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok.


The Spanish, who have twice lifted the trophy at this tournament, raced into a half-time advantage but had to settle for a point with their Group B rivals after an entertaining match-up between two teams intent on attacking throughout.

Miguelin’s precision finish put Spain ahead in the early stages and their lead was doubled shortly before half-time when Lozano took advantage of a rebound, following clever play by Torras, to find the back of the net.

But Iran improved in the second period and earned the draw they deserved courtesy of goals from Masoud Daneshvar and Hossein Tayebi within three minutes of each other, much to the delight of the considerable Iranian support.

The pair are back in Group B action on Monday, when Spain face section pace-setters Panama after Iran have met Morocco.

The quotes
“It was a really tight match. We were not effective in attack and the game changed in the first five minutes of the second half, when instead of us scoring the third goal, they got one back. From then on they were more aggressive. We usually grow as the World Cup goes on, but you have to congratulate Iran - they played a great game," Venancio Lopez, Spain coach.

“During half-time, I asked my players to simply go out and play their attacking game, and so they did. At the end, I believe the result is perfect for the match," Ali Sanei, Iran coach.

Goals:

MIGUELIN (4'03")
LOZANO (15'34")

Masoud DANESHVAR (27'50")
Hossein TAYEBI (30'42")



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