The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup draws to a close today with two fascinating matches.
Brazil looking to win first championship since 2009 and fifth overall title
With win in final, Tahiti can become first Oceania side to lift trophy
Iran have chance to claim Asia’s highest-ever finish in tournament history
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
Brazil have the chance to extend their record of most Beach Soccer World Cup titles to five in Sunday’s final against Tahiti.
The Tiki Toa meanwhile are looking to spring an upset and win their first ever FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup trophy. Iran and Italy have plenty to play for in the play-off for third place.
If the Iranians win, it will represent the best finish from an Asian side in tournament history. If Italy win, it will be their second-best finish after they were runners-up in 2008. FIFA.com looks ahead to the last day at Bahamas 2017.
The games
Final Tahiti-Brazil
Play-off for Third Place Iran-Italy
What you need to know
Brazil winning streak on the line: The last Beach Soccer World Cup match Brazil lost was against Russia in the quarter-finals in 2015.
1 – However, since then, the Brazilians have gone on an incredible winning streak of 34 games in all matches, including friendlies. Will they make it 35 in a row after Sunday’s final?
2 – Tiki Toa looking to defy history: No team has ever lost their first match at a Beach Soccer World Cup and gone on to win the tournament. Tahiti will be looking to go against history on Sunday.
3 – Bookends: Brazil and Tahiti met on Matchday 2 at Bahamas 2017 and it was the Brazilians who came out on top on that occasion. In a 4-1 win, Patrick Tepa scored first for Tahiti but Brazil proved to be too strong on the day and came from behind to ultimately win by the three-goal margin. Will Tahiti adjust their tactics and approach the match differently or will Brazil prevail once again?
4 – Gori’s place in record books: Italy forward Garbiele Gori has been in lightning form all tournament long and if he scores at least two goals in the play-off for third place, he will hold the record for second-most goals in a single tournament. Madjer’s single tournament record of 21 in 2006 looks safe… for now.
