Brazil, Iran on course for Dubai final

After two thrilling semi-finals, the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontintental Cup final is set.

The Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontintental Cup 2016 will be contested by two former winners of the competition in Brazil and Iran.

Both sides won their respective semi-finals at Dubai International Marine Club on Friday and will meet in tomorrow’s final while Poland will face Egypt for fifth place and USA meet UAE to avoid finishing last.  

Iran came through a thrilling semi-final 8-6 against Tahiti on Friday to set up their showpiece clash with Brazil.

Having seen the Selecao book their final spot in the previous match, the opening two periods saw Tahiti respond swiftly to all three Iran goals, before eventually taking the lead through Li Fung early in the third.

Tahiti led twice more but, after they were pegged back, two late goals from hat-trick hero Akbar provided the killer blows late on as Iran went one better than their semi-final appearance last year.

Defending champions Russia bowed out at the hands of Brazil, who moved into the final after a dominant 7-0 win.

Three-time Dubai champions Russia were denied top spot in Group B by Iran on Thursday and slipped to another defeat as 13-time world champions Brazil ran riot.

Braces from Mauricinho and Bokinha did the damage, with Brazil now one win away from adding to their 2014 Dubai title.

Earlier in the day, Egypt booked their place in the fifth-place play-off by seeing off hosts UAE in a 7-3 success on Friday.

The home side remain without a point at the competition but battled back from 2-0 and 3-2 down to level thanks partly to Ahmed’s brace, as they sought to kickstart their campaign on home sand.

However, the Egyptians – ranked 10 places below UAE – finished strongly with a double from the impressive Moustafa moving them into the battle for fifth where they will face a Poland side that eased past USA 6-3.

The Americans – winless in Group B – were level at 2-2 going into the last 12 minutes thanks to goals from Futagaki and Valentine.

However, the recent European FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualification champions cut loose late on – Madani, Saganowski, Jesionowski and Depta helping ensure a spot in the battle for fifth.

 

Friday’s results

Poland 6-3 USA

Egypt 7-3 UAE

Brazil 7-0 Russia

Iran 8-6 Tahiti

Saturday’s Matches

Poland vs Egypt (Fifth-place play-off)

UAE vs USA (Seventh-place play-off)

Russia vs Tahiti (Semi-final)

Brazil vs Iran (Final)

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