STORE 
MY BEACH SOCCER 
Brazil will take on Iran while Russia face Portugal in the final four on Friday.
The semi-finals of the Huawei Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup were confirmed on Thursday on a day of new records and late drama.
An extra-time own-goal from Moslem Mesigar helped Russia to a 4-3 victory against Iran in the battle for top spot in Group B.
Last year’s runners-up Iran battled back from 3-0 down to level with five minutes left of the final period but Mesigar’s late misfortunate early in the additional frame proved decisive. It was also the 47th goal of the day – the most on a single day in the competition’s history.
European champions Russia will now take on Portugal in a repeat of September’s Euro Beach Soccer League final while Iran face the tough task of stopping holders Brazil in the other semi-final.
The Brazilians dished out another punishing defeat for the UAE in Dubai, sealing their Group A campaign with a 15-4 win.
Gilberto Costa’s men will head into the semi-finals full of confidence after setting a new record for goals in a single match at the competition, with four-goal Ze Lucas among the key players in a one-sided contest.
The UAE – beaten 11-1 by Brazil in 2016 – will hope to recover quickly for their fifth-place play-off quest tomorrow and Saturday.
Portugal survived a scare to make it into the last four, with a tight victory on penalties against Egypt in Group A.
The former world champions were 5-1 up at the end of a first period in which they dominated, but were pegged back and needed a late Jordan Santos equaliser to take the scoreline to 6-6 and ensure extra-time.
That proved goalless and, in the ensuing penalty shootout, Elshahat Mohamed saw his spot kick saved before Jordan stroked home the winner.
Paraguay have their first points following an enthralling 5-4 win against Mexico.
In a contest that saw both sides trade the lead, third-period goals from Paraguay’s Carlos Carballo and Edgar Barreto ensured their side third place, while Mexico head into the play-offs awaiting their first win.
Thursday results
16:15 – Mexico v Paraguay
17:30 – Egypt (1) 6-6 (3) Portugal
18:45 – UAE 4-15 Brazil
20:00 – Iran 3-4 Russia (AET)
Friday fixtures
16:15 – Egypt v Mexico (Fifth-place play-off)
17:30 – Paraguay v UAE (Fifth-place play-off)
18:45 – Russia v Portugal (Semi-final)
20:00 – Iran v Brazil (Semi-final)
