5/6/2006
Afshin Afshar, lastkick.com

Iran U-17 made it to the semis of the eight-team Tehran International Youth Tournament despite a 2:1 loss to Saudi Arabia’s U-17 in their last group game. Iran had defeated Japan 4:3 and Syria 2:1 in their first two games.

The Japanese youth, who also made it through with two victories, had defeated Syria 2:1 and Saudi Arabia 1:1 earlier in the week.

The tournaments' eight participants are divided into two groups with Iran entering two teams, Iran A which is the national U-17 team, and Iran B which is Foolad FC of Khouzestan’s U-17 team.

Group A consists of Iran A, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Syria, Group B includes Iran B, Iraq, Armenia, and China.

Japan and Iran will find out who their semifinal opponents are when Group B is decided on Sunday. Iran B can clinch a spot in the semis if they defeat Armenia in their final group match.

Group Stage results and schedule

Sunday, May 7

Iran B vs. Armenia
China vs. Iraq

Saturday, May 6

Iran A 1:2 KSA
Japan 2:1 Syria

Friday, May 5

Iran B 3:1 Iraq
China 2:2 Armenia

Thursday, May 4

Iran A 2:1 Syria
Japan 1:0 KSA

Wednesday, May 3

Iran B 1:2 China
Iraq 5:1 Armenia

Tuesday, May 2

Iran A 4:3 Japan
KSA 1:1 Syria