Tehran Times - Iran waltzed their way to a record-extending 13th title with a win over Thailand in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand final on Sunday.
Team Melli defeated Thailand 4-1 in the final match at the Bangkok Arena to deny the hosts a maiden title.
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.
Saeid Ahmadabbasi scored his eighth goal of the tournament in the first half.
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 center and chipping the ball over Mohammadi.
A relentless Iran responded two minutes later off a set-piece situation when Sangsefidi lofted the perfect cross to an unmarked Aliasghar Hassanzadeh to volley home to regain their two-goal advantage, the-afc.com reported.
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.