Dubai: Russia will be aiming for a third title when they take on Tahiti in the final of the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) on Saturday.
Russia disposed off 2013 intercontinental champions Iran 4-1 after Tahiti had powered their way to an 8-5 win over Egypt in the two semi-finals played on Friday.
Earlier, hosts UAE earned the right to play world champions Portugal for the fifth place with a hard-fought 3-2 win against Mexico, after the Europeans had coasted to a 6-2 win against Argentina earlier in the day.
After being stunned by the UAE 5-4 in Thursday’s last group match, Russia were a completely different side in the semi-final against Iran. The hero for the Russians – champions here in 2011 and 2012 – was Aleksey Makarov who got a hat-trick to set them on the road to victory against the former champions. Egor Shaikov scored the fourth only to see Farid Boulokbashi squeeze in a consolation from a narrow angle in the third period.
In the earlier four editions, the UAE have finished third on two occasions – in 2013 and 2012 – while Portugal’s best position was third in last year’s edition that was won by Brazil.
Saturday’s final is scheduled for 4pm to allow fans to travel for the first leg of the AFC Champions League that is scheduled to be played between Al Ahli and Guangzhou Evergrande at the Al Ahli stadium in Al Ghusais at 7.45pm.
-Ends
RESULTS
Portugal 6 Argentina 2
UAE 3 Mexico 2
Tahiti 8 Egypt 5
Russia 4 Iran 1