Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, DPR Korea and Iraq in qualifying to the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017. Asia will also be represented by the host nation – India.
Shaikh Salman said: “DPR Korea, IR Iran, Japan and Iraq have overcome some tough competition to reach the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship, qualifying for next year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup here in India.
“I have been able to watch some of the matches in Goa and have been impressed by the skill, determination and professionalism of the teams. We have had some surprising results and hard-fought matches.
“I wish all the teams the best of luck in the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship, may the best team win.”
IR Iran reached the semi-finals after a resounding 5-0 quarter-final victory over Vietnam on Sunday. Defender Ayumu Seko's first-half goal was enough to see Japan reach the U-16 semi-finals this year after missing out two years ago. They posted a 1-0 win over the United Arab Emirates at the quarter-final match.
Titleholders DPR Korea booked a semi-final date with IR Iran after seeing off Oman 4-2 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in the last eight on Monday. Iraq edged out Uzbekistan 2-0 on and they will face Japan in the semi-finals on Thursday in Goa, with the final being played on Sunday, October 2, at 6pm local time.