STORE 
MY BEACH SOCCER 
Gilberto Costa’s men lifted the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup title on Sunday in Nassau.
Brazil win fifth Beach Soccer World Cup
Brazil were crowned FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup champions for a record fifth time at Bahamas 2017 after a 6-0 victory over Tahiti in the final in Nassau.
The South Americans needed just 14 seconds to open the scoring as Mauricinho notched them ahead following a lightning-quick turnover in Tahiti’s half.
Mauricinho then turned provider as he assisted Datinha, who finished from close range to double their lead. Teva Zavaroni had a golden opportunity to head in Tahiti’s first of the match late in the opening period but Brazil’s backline did just enough to put him off and keep their two-goal lead going into the second period.
Brazil extended their advantage midway through the match as Mauricinho doubled his tally, having seen Datinha return the favour for his earlier assist.
The 27-year-old dispatched the opportunity impressively with the outside of his right foot. Catarino made it four for Brazil with a low left-footed drive that found its way into the bottom corner to seal the deal for Gilberto Sousa’s side.
To add gloss to the result, Daniel lost his marker and ghosted in at the back post to be picked out by Rodrigo on a corner kick.
He then doubled his tally just over a minute later with an assured, left-footed finish.
Iran finish third to make Asian history
Iran ended their Bahamas 2017 campaign on a high with a 5-3 win against Italy in the play-off for third place to become Asia’s highest ever finishers at the Beach Soccer World Cup.
These two teams met during the group stage at Bahamas 2017 with Italy edging Iran 5-4 in a thrilling match. The Europeans scored first that day, but it was Iran’s turn this time.
Mohammad Ahmadzadeh scored his seventh goal of the tournament when he put away a second-chance opportunity after Moslem Mesigar’s shot was parried into his path.
Ahmadzadeh scored his second of the match early in the second period on another second-chance opportunity to take his overall tally to eight. Mohammad Mokhtari then struck a phenomenal overhead kick to give Iran a three-goal cushion, which was fitting as Iran have attempted the most overhead kicks of anyone in the Bahamas.
Italy got back into the match courtesy of none other than Gabriele Gori. Two goals took him on to 17 – the second a curling effort from a set piece – to move him beyond Dejan Stankovic into second place for biggest hauls at a single competition.
Less than a minute later, Mesigar scored his second of the tournament. Dario Ramacciotti brought the Azzurri back to within one goal with a well-placed, close range header.
But it wasn’t enough for the Italians as Ahmadzadeh completed his hat-trick with a late penalty to ultimately seal Iran’s place in the record books.
Sunday results
Iran 5-3 Italy
Tahiti 0-6 Brazil
Standings
1st – Brazil
2nd – Tahiti
3rd – Iran
adidas Golden Scorer
1st: Gabriele Gori (Italy) – 17
2nd: Rodrigo (Brazil) – 9
3rd: Mohammad Ahmadzadeh (Iran) – 9
adidas Golden Glove
Peyman Hosseini (Iran)
adidas Golden Ball
Gold: Mohammad Ahmadzadeh (Iran)
Silver: Mauricinho (Brazil)
Bronze: Datinha (Brazil)
Fair Play Award
Brazil
