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Argentina missed the only goal in the final F group match of the FIFA Futsal World Cup, but it was a goal worthy of the highest level of competition. The episode began with a pass with the heel and ended with an impressive ball placed over the defender and goalkeeper into the goal, whose size - just three meters by two. The goal scorer - Ali Hassanzadehas, captain of the Iranian national team. A. Hassanzadehas, who is playing for the fourth time in the World Cup, has achieved impressive results throughout his career. "It's a discussion I often have with my teammates. They always say that if my name were Hassanzadinho or Hassanzadao, I would probably be considered one of the best players in the world," joked the Iranian, talking to FIFA.com. Still, A. Hassanzadehas himself denies seeking praise. "Frankly, I don't think it's very important. It doesn't bother me that I'm not considered one of the best. I just try to focus on my game and enjoy what I'm doing. It's enough for me," he said. The question remains open - how can a player who has won four AFC Futsal Championships and as many AFC Player of the Year awards, as well as helped Iran win a historic bronze in the 2016 World Cup in Colombia, be rarely mentioned as one of the best in the world? "Asian teams have their unique technique and tactics. They play a more organized, team-oriented futsal that is less beautiful and relies less on stars. This may explain why our players are somewhat less famous compared to players from the biggest European or South American teams," the Iranian tried to find possible reasons. Although the humble A. Hassanzadehas is not worried about the small number of fans, he is somewhat surprised by the low rating of his team. "We are not often named as one of the favorites or world futsal giants," admitted the player, whose leadership led Iran to third place in the World Cup and to the greatest win for any Asian team of all time. "Therefore, we want to show even better performance in the World Cup. It shows us where we stand compared to other teams and gives us more visibility than any other tournament. We are here with the goal of changing people's attitudes towards us, changing people's opinions about Asian teams and Iran specifically." The Iranian team also has other sources of motivation for knockout matches: for example, remembering the dramatic defeat to the Russians in the semifinals of the 2016 World Cup in Colombia. "Many players who are here were also on the field then," said A. Hassanzadehas. "We talk a lot about it - we remember how painful it was. We want to avoid that happening again. We aim higher, although we have to be realistic. The matches are getting tougher and the teams are becoming more professional. We know it will be difficult, but our goal is to take a step higher - to the final." Although Iran has not made it to the crucial matches for five years, they have performed amazingly. On their way to the semifinals, the Iranians defeated the defending champions, the Brazilian team. The victory in the quarterfinals was an incredible achievement. It sounded even more impressive because it was the last game of the legendary Falcao with the Brazilian jersey. "It was a special moment," recalled the goal scorer that day. "No one expected Brazil to be beaten. Nevertheless, the match had contradictory emotions. It was an indescribable feeling to beat the world's best team, but at the same time it was a great sadness knowing that we would no longer see Falcao on the field - the most impressive player of all time." Iran's performance in the 2016 World Cup was impressive, but it did not end well. If the team reaches the top in the 2021 competition, maybe even the captain, who is not called Hassanzadao or Hassanzadinho, but is simply Ali Hassanzadehas, would receive worldwide recognition.
