Iran, Brazil secure top spots

Both sides stay perfect in Dubai ahead of Friday’s semi-finals.

Brazil and Iran head into the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup semi-finals with the filip of having finished top of their groups courtesy of victories on Thursday.

The nations maintained their perfect starts against Tahiti and Russia respectively, with the final-four fixtures now confirmed.

In the game of the day, Iran upset Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup holders Russia 3-1 on penalties in front of a packed stadium at Dubai International Marine Club. 

In a thrilling affair, Russia battled back from 3-1 down to force extra time with goals from Peremitin and Makarov.

The impressive Hosseini in Iran’s goal played a crucial part and he saw Paporotnyi miss from the spot as team-mates Nazem, Mokhtari and Ahmadzadeh all converted, ensuring Iran top spot ahead of their semi-final against Tahiti.

Earlier, Brazil ensured top spot in Group A thanks to their 10-4 win against the Tiki Toa.

In an entertaining affair, the former champions had the edge, despite seeing Tahiti battle back from 2-0 and 4-2 down to level late in the second period.

However, Bruno Xavier’s four goals proved key as Brazil cemented top spot.

Poland needed penalties to beat UAE and condemn the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup hosts to bottom spot after tying at 2-2 in normal time.

Ali Karim and a late Alzaabi strike ensured extra time after Poland twice led but the recent European FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualification winners kept their nerve from the spot, as Labedzki and Gac ensured a 2-0 win on penalties.

Thursday’s opening game saw Egypt pick up their first points with a 5-3 win against USA that condemns the Americans to bottom place.

Both sides tasted defeat against Russia and Iran, with Perera and Samir trading goals early on before Ali and Moustafa gave Egypt a cushion late in the second frame.

Skipper Perera’s third bolstered USA hopes but a late Mohamed strike killed off hope of a comeback in an entertaining contest.

 

Thursday results

USA 3-5 Egypt

Poland 2(2)-2(0) UAE

Tahiti 4-10 Brazil

Iran 3(3)-3(1) Russia

Friday fixtures

Poland vs USA (Play-off for the 5th place)

Egypt vs UAE (Play-off for the 5th place)

Brazil vs Russia (Semi-finals)

Iran vs Tahiti (Semi-finals)

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