Ali Hassanzadeh discusses the tribute Iran made to Falcao in 2016, the passion for futsal in his homeland and their desire to make their people proud. It’s a memory he’ll cherish infinitely. Ali Hassanzadeh hadn’t just won a title or an individual award, and though he had scored in normal time and the shootout as his country registered their greatest-ever result, this wasn’t about him.
Iran graciously put celebrations at eliminating behemoths Brazil on hold in order to salute Falcao, who had kicked his last ball in the FIFA Futsal World CupTM. Hassanzadeh and fellow giant-slayers raised the thrill god aloft and threw him up into the Bucaramanga air. It was a fitting, unforgettable tribute to an immortal – one whose extraordinary genius would never be imitated, whose records would never be equalled.
Yet eight years on and one of those records is under threat – by none other than Hassanzadeh. The 36-year-old winger and Argentina pivot Cristian Borruto are matching Falcao’s record of participating in five global finals. Hassanzadeh speaks to FIFA about that and Iran’s mission to rule the sport for the first time.
Ali Hassanzadeh: Wearing the national team shirt is an honor for any player and playing in the World Cup is an exciting experience. I’m happy that I had the chance to have this wonderful experience at 20 years old. The 2008 World Cup was my first and best experience in the World Cup.
Our team had the pleasure of being in the semi-finals, but we were un.