Dubai: Russia and Portugal topped their respective groups as hosts the UAE ended with three losses on the final day of preliminary round matches of the Fourth Samsung Beach Soccer Inter-Continental Cup at the Dubai International Marine Club on Thursday.
Russia came from a goal down for a 2-1 extra-time win over multiple world champions Brazil to occupy the top spot in Group A, while Portugal – trailing 0-2 at the end of the second period - finished with a clean record with a well-fought 3-2 win over the UAE.
Japan etched out a 3-1 consolation win against the USA, while Iran rode on double strikes from captain Ali Naderi and Mohammad Ahmadzadeh, while Farid Boulokbashi put the icing on the cake with 39.9 seconds left to confirm the fourth and final semi-final slot with a 5-0 win over Morocco in the late night match.
After a barren first period, Naderi opened the score with a superb free kick and just 36 seconds remaining for the second period to end. Naderi’s second goal came in the fourth minute of the final period as he got past his marker and placed past Mohammad Fandghal on the Morocco goal.
In Friday’s semi-finals, two-time winners in Dubai in 2011 and 2012, Russia will take on Iran in a re-match of last year’s final, while Brazil will attempt writing their name on this trophy for the first time as they face Portugal in the second semi-final.
With three semi-finalists already decided on Wednesday itself, it was the late night match between Iran and Morocco that held the most interest and attention.
Moroccan defence
On paper, Iran looked a shade better of the two, but found it tough to get past a staunch Moroccan defence in the first period and a major part of the second.
However, it was Naderi showing the way with his two goals as the prolific Ahmadzadeh followed with two of his own to seal the match and a place in the semi-finals for Iran.
And with just 39.9 seconds remaining, Boulokbashi hit a superb free kick from the other end of the pitch to put a perfect end to a thrilling encounter.
Morocco tried their best to come up with at least a consolation goal, but the Iranian defence simply refused to budge till the end.
