TEHRAN - Iran came from a goal down to defeat USA 4-2 in Group F of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021 at the Vilnius Arena on Friday.
Trailing by an early goal, Iran responded soon with Farhad Tavakoli latching onto a defensive mix-up to tie the game. Mahdi Javid then gave Team Melli the lead with a simple tap-in after 7 minutes of play, before Ahmad Esmaeilpour smashed-in a 3rd midway through first half.
The Americans cut the gap back to one, with 4 minutes remaining, and then risked on a fly-goalkeeper in an attempt to even the result. But their plan backfired inside the final minute, when Saeid Abbasi scored an empty netter from the middle of the court to seal win and the progression into the knockout stage.
Iran who had edged Serbia 3-2 in their campaign opener, will next meet defending champions Argentina in the group’s conclusion match on Monday.