03 Nov 2017

Brazil and Portugal to contest Dubai final

The two traditional rivals meet in Saturday's Huawei Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup final.

Brazil and Portugal will renew rivalries in Saturday's Huawei Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup final after deposing of Iran and Russia respectively.

Holders Brazil were given stern examination of their credentials by Iran before eventually progressing to Saturday’s final with a 6-4 win.

The world champions were given a real scare by Marco Octavio’s Iran, who recovered from 5-2 down to get within a goal of the holders thanks to the impressive Mostafa Kiani.

However, Brazil gathered themselves and will seek to claim a third Dubai title against Portugal tomorrow.

The Portuguese gained a measure of revenge against Russia as they beat the European champions 3-2 in the first semi-final of the day.

Russia claimed the continental title with victory in the Euro Beach Soccer League final against Portugal in September but, despite coming from a goal down to lead midway through the contest, Jordan Santos’ late free-kick guaranteed his side their first appearance in a Dubai final.

Hosts UAE will contest the fifth-place play-off after beating Paraguay 4-1 in Dubai.

Having finished bottom of Group A behind Egypt, the hosts will once again go up against the North Africans on Saturday as a Haitham Alkaabi brace helped ensure the points against a somewhat lacklustre Paraguay side, who will meet Mexico on the final day seeking to avoid an eight-place finish.

Dramatic late goals from Moustafa Shaaban and Mohamed Gamal saw Egypt past Mexico 6-5 in extra time.

In what was a thrilling contest to kick off the penultimate day of the tournament, Mexico led 5-4 going into the final four minutes of normal time. However, Shika levelled to take the game into a fourth frame before M. Gamal won the game for Egypt.

Friday results

16:15 - Egypt 6-5 Mexico (AET)

17:30 - Paraguay 1-4 UAE

18:45 - Russia 2-3 Portugal

20:00 - Brazil 6-4 Iran

Saturday fixtures

16:15 - Mexico v Paraguay (Seventh-place play-off)

17:30 - Egypt v UAE (Fifth-place play-off)

18:45 - Russia v Iran (Third-place play-off)

20:00 - Portugal v Brazil (Final)