Persian Beach Soccer Cup finely poised in Bushehr

Wins for hosts Iran and Poland keep the tournament alive going into the final day.

There remains everything to play for in the final round of the Persian Beach Soccer Cup in Bushehr after hosts Iran and Poland each claimed victories on day two.

Just one point separates first and third in the table, with the home nation doing just enough to get past Ukraine on Wednesday and leave their opponents still searching for their first points of the competition.

Seyed Ali Nazem scored twice as the sides went to extra time level at 3-3 – prompting a dramatic shoot-out that eventually saw Iran win through 8-7 on penalties.

That point was enough to hand Iran back some daylight at the summit, having seen Poland spring a surprise by edging Italy in the opening game of the day.

Tournament top scorer Gabriele Gori scored his third and fourth goals of the competition but, with the score at 2-2 going into the final few minutes, Jakub Jesionowski struck the winner for Poland to set up a fascinating final day.

Wednesday results

Italy 2-3 Poland

Iran (8) 3-3 (7) Ukraine

Thursday fixtures

Ukraine v Poland

Iran v Italy