Iran Edges Japan 2-1 to Retain Asiad Soccer Title

Home>>Sports

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, October 14, 2002

Iran Edges Japan 2-1 to Retain Asiad Soccer Title

Forward Javad Nekounam's curling shot enabled defending champions Iran to edge Japan 2-1 Sunday evening, taking home their fourth title in the Asian Games soccer tournament.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Forward Javad Nekounam's curling shot enabled defending champions Iran to edge Japan 2-1 Sunday evening, taking home their fourth title in the Asian Games soccer tournament.

Iran seemed to be patient enough in the final as both sides played a scoreless first half.

"I am very proud of my players as they had great performances tonight," said Iran's coach Brancho Ivan Choviech. "I am glad to see my players grow up in the Games. They were very patient and well-disciplined during the final, which makes them win the final victory."

The momentum swifted to the Iranians as Nekounam opened the scoring by volleying home three minutes into the second half. Oneminute later his teammate Hossein Kabei unleashed another great shot, which hit the bar but scared the opponents anyway.

"It's hard for us to defend the title as we came across a lot of unexpected mishaps just before the final. Our captain Daei was unable to show up after the sudden death to his father. And we also have several players injured," said Choviech.

"But our players have fought hard enough and played what we planned tonight. I think they deserved the gold medal."

Mohsen Bayatiniya enlarged the lead in the 87th minute with a powerful shot outside the box.

Just one minute later, Japan reduced the deficit to 2-1 after forward Nakayama Satoshi converted a perfect cross from Tanaka Tatsuya. However, it's too late for them to stop their opponents winning their fourth Asiad soccer title.

Japanese coach Masakuni Yamamoto said he was still satisfied with his players' performance despite the loss.

"Our playeres are very young, we did not even expect them to make the final. They have made the history," said Masakuni.

"We sent in our U-21 squad here for international experience, which will help them in the Athens Olympics. We have achieved thegoal so far," he said.

Although the Japanese failed to win the title, it's still theirbest finish as they made the history to win their first silver medal from the Asian Games.

In the bronze-madel playoff, hosts South Korea defeated Thailand by scoring three goals against nil, feeding their thousands home fans after a disappointing 5-3 loss to Iran in the penalty shootout on Thursday.

Defender Park Dong-hyuk opened the scoring in the 15th minute through a corner kick off forward Lee Chun-soo.

Forward Lee doubled the lead in the 63rd minute with a perfect cross from midfilder Choi Tae-uk who scored his own for the home side to seal the 3-0 victory over Thailand.

"Although they failed to win the gold, we still believe them and will support them for ever. We believe that South Korea are the best in Asia," said Miss Lee, one of the thousands home fans after the match.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Japan, Iran Advance to Soccer Final

>> Full Coverage

Fewer Slogans, More Practical, Reflect Social Changes in China ( 16 Messages)

Jiang Expects In-depth Discussion with US President ( 4 Messages)

China Slaps US Religious Freedom Report ( 2 Messages)

China Opposes US Congress Committee's Interference in China's Internal Affairs ( 9 Messages)

Multinationals Fight for Chinese Markets ( 27 Messages)