Futsal World Cup Shock: Morocco Sends Asian Powerhouse Iran Crashing Out in Round of 16 Thriller

BUKHARA, UZBEKISTAN – September 26, 2024 – The 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup delivered a stunning upset on Thursday as the African champions, Morocco, defeated continental giants Iran with a thrilling 4-3 scoreline in a pulsating Round of 16 clash at the Bukhara Universal Sports Complex.

The defeat marks a highly premature exit for Team Melli, the top-ranked Asian side and four-time semi-finalists, who had entered the knockout phase with a perfect record from their group matches.

Morocco’s First-Half Blitz

The match was a tale of two halves, dramatically dictated by a ruthless opening twenty minutes from Morocco. Although Iran’s Mohammadhossein Derakhshani opened the scoring in the 4th minute, Morocco responded almost immediately through Khalid Bouzid (7′).

The decisive spell came as Morocco capitalized on Iranian errors. An own goal by Alireza Rafieipour (11′) handed the lead to the African side, and further strikes from Soufiane El Mesrar (17′) and Idriss Raiss El Fenni (20′) saw Morocco take a commanding 4-1 lead into the half-time break.

Valiant Second-Half Comeback Falls Short

Faced with elimination, Iran emerged a different side in the second half, mounting a furious comeback. Star players Hossein Tayebi (21′) and Moslem Oladghobad (22′) scored within the first two minutes after the restart, narrowing the deficit to a single goal and igniting the packed arena.

However, despite intense pressure and multiple chances in the remaining time, Iran could not find the crucial equaliser. Their final hopes were dashed when a late double penalty opportunity by Moslem Oladghobad reportedly crashed off the post with virtually the final kick of the game, confirming the 4-3 defeat.

Morocco’s influential Soufian Charraoui was deservedly named the Player of the Match for his outstanding display.

Coach Shamsaei’s Disappointment

Iran coach Vahid Shamsaei did not mince words about the team’s performance. “We made a very good start, but we were out of control after that in the first half,” he admitted post-match.

“The second half was completely different and we made so many chances. We scored two goals in less than two minutes, but luck wasn’t on our side. It’s over. All the best to Morocco,” he concluded, confirming the end of Iran’s World Cup dreams.

Morocco now advances to a highly anticipated Quarter-final showdown against the record five-time World Champions, Brazil.