The Magic of Hector Souto, from Chantada to the Top of Asia

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Fate never anticipated that a man from the small town of Chantada, located approximately 539 kilometers northwest of the Spanish capital, Madrid, could lead the Indonesian national futsal team to achieve what was previously unimaginable. Thanks to their victory over Japan 5-3 at the Indonesia Arena in Jakarta, the "Garuda" squad will compete in the final of the 2026 Futsal Asian Cup against Iran.

Chantada, located in the Province of Lugo, Spain, is not known for having a prominent futsal tradition. This small town is more famous for its wine production, celebrated through an annual festival titled Feira do Vino de Chantada.

However, Souto's personality, which represents the goodwill of the agrarian community of Chantada, has made Indonesian futsal a new force in Asia. Previously, he had led Indonesia to surpass Thailand as the reigning champion of Southeast Asian futsal.

Starting with two victories over Thailand in the regional arena, Souto gradually helped Indonesia approach the pinnacle of Asia. Accompanied by 10,389 Garuda supporters filling the Indonesia Arena, Souto led his team to achieve their first victory against Japan in the Futsal Asian Cup.

The contributions of goals from Samuel Eko (12’), an own goal by Japanese player Takehiro Motoishi (23’), Firman Ardiansyah (39’), Reza Gunawan (45’), and Dewa Rizki (46’) secured a positive result and marked a new historical milestone for the Indonesian national futsal team. This achievement feels special as Souto has led Indonesia as if climbing a staircase: first dominating ASEAN, and then pursuing Asia.

Meanwhile, Japan scored goals through a brace from captain Kazuya Shimizu (35' and 40') and Motoishi (31').

Indonesia has become the seventh team to reach the final stage of the Futsal Asian Cup. The journey to the last game has previously been experienced by Iran, Japan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Kazakhstan. However, only Iraq and Japan have ever lifted the championship trophy in the previous 17 editions.

In the final, on Sunday (7/2/2026) at 19:00 WIB, a formidable opponent awaits. Iran reached the final after defeating Iraq 4-2.

Iran, the holder of 13 Asian Futsal Championship titles, is ideally the ultimate opponent for Indonesia. Like in a video game, "Team Melli" is the true final boss. They are the record holders for the most championships and are also the defending champions.

For Iran, appearing in the final in Indonesia is akin to repeating the achievement of the 2002 edition. About 24 years ago, Iran clinched the Asian title after defeating Japan 6-0.

Not only for Iran as a team, the final in Jakarta also evokes fond memories for the head coach of the Iranian national futsal team, Vahid Shamsaee. In the 2002 final, Shamsaee scored two winning goals for Iran.

Shamsaee is the most successful futsal player in Iran and Asia. As a player, he contributed eight championship titles for Iran. After retiring and becoming a coach, he successfully led Team Melli to win the Asian Cup in 2024. As a result, nine out of 13 Asian Futsal Cup titles for Iran are attributed to Shamsaee's involvement.

"I do not want to discuss the past, as my focus is on preparing myself for the final match later. I am grateful to return to the final after 24 years and hope to win it again," said Shamsaee, who is often referred to as the Ali Daei of futsal. This nickname refers to the greatest legend of Iranian football.

Although defeated in the semifinals, Iraq's coach Joao Carlos appreciated the efforts of his players. According to him, the experience in Indonesia 2024 serves as an important foundation for improvement in order to qualify for the 2028 Futsal World Cup.

"The majority of my players are experiencing a major tournament like this for the first time, so this is a good experience for us. We lost, but I am pleased with the performance of all the players. I hope Iraqi futsal can continue to develop," said Carlos, who holds a Brazilian passport.

Souto maintained the lineup of five key players as in the quarter-final match against Vietnam. Ahmad Habiebie guarded the goal, while the four players in front of him were Mochammad Iqbal, Rizki Xavier, Israr Megantara, and Firman Ardiansyah.

From the outset, Indonesia initiated a high press when Japan gained possession of the ball. The Samurai Blue maintained ball control more frequently with 52 percent possession.

However, they struggled to move the ball into Indonesia's zone due to the pressure exerted by Indonesian players since Japan took control of the ball in their own area. Diagonal long passes were also utilized by Japan to create opportunities.

In the first half, Japan had two opportunities that hit the goalpost of Indonesia. In the ninth minute, a shot from Japanese player Kokoro Harada struck the left post of Indonesia's goal.

At the end of the first half, precisely in the 17th minute, it was the powerful shot of Japan's captain Kazuya Shimizu that was deflected by the crossbar of the home team's goal.

With patient and disciplined play, Garuda was able to score a goal in the 12th minute through a shot by Eko. The goal process began with a corner kick that resulted in a scramble in front of the Japanese goal.

Eko capitalized on the failure of Japanese goalkeeper Hiroshi Tabuchi to perfectly block the ball. The second ball was won by Indonesia, culminating in a precise left-footed shot from Eko into the left corner of the Japanese goal.

In the second half, the intensity of the game from both teams remained high. Indonesia extended its lead in the 23rd minute. The second goal for Garuda came from an own goal by Japanese player Takehiro Motoishi due to a misjudgment in anticipating a shot from Indonesian player Ardiansyah Nur.

Trailing by two goals did not diminish the fighting spirit of the Samurai Five. Motoishi redeemed his mistake by scoring in the 31st minute. Four minutes later, Japan's captain Kazuya Shimizu silenced the Indonesia Arena with the equalizing goal.

Indonesia's hope of advancing to the final was maintained when Firman Ardiansyah scored the third goal in the 39th minute. However, that lead was equalized by Shimizu through a penalty execution.

In the extra time period, Indonesia scored a pair of goals through Reza Gunawan in the 45th minute. Indonesia was able to anticipate Japan's power play scheme with the fifth goal scored by Dewa Rizki in the 47th minute.