Sports Desk :
Iran reached the semifinals of the 2016 Futsal World Cup for the 1st time since 1992, with a 4-3 victory over Paraguay in Colombia.
Iran were on the front foot in the early stages of the game on Saturday, but it was Paraguay who opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Francisco Martinez. Iran pressed for an equalizer and found it 3 minutes later when Ahmad Ismail fired a powerful strike into the back of the net to make it one all.
The South Americans took the lead again just before halftime as Juan Salas himself bundled the ball into the post. But Iran pulled level once more, this time through Mahdi Javid.
The Iranians moved ahead for the first time in the game in the 36th minute wen Javid scored his second goal of the night to make it 3-2, but Rene Villalba, sporting the keeper’s shirt, fired a low free-kick to take it to extra time.
And it was Ismail, who hammered home from close range with 23 seconds to go to secure Iran a precious 4-3 victory. The Asian Champions will now meet Russia, who crushed Spain 6-2 in the second quarterfinals, in the first semifinal on Tuesday.
It is notable that Iran caused sensation defeating holders and hot favourites Brazil in the round of 16 on September 21.
The remaining two quarterfinals will be played Argentina and Egypt, Azerbaijan and Portugal.
