Iran Beach soccer team started its pursuit to defend its Asian Title by defeating Lebanon 3-2 in Doha , Qatar.

The 2015 Asian Beach Soccer Championship matches are being held in the Katara Arena on the beach of Doha with the presence of 15 teams.

Lebanon scored the first goal but Mohammad Ali Sadeghi soon equalized for Iran. Farid Blokbashi put Iran in front with a spectacular header to make it 2-1 for the defending champion, before Mohammad Ahmadzadeh scored a third with one of his trickery shoots to put Iran 3-1 ahead with 6 minutes to go, A long range shot from Lebanon’s Halawi to make it 3-2 to ensure a thrilling finale, however Iran held comfortably and finished the first match on the right track with a hard fought win against an excellent Lebanese team.

Naderi wasted a penalty in the match, saved by the brilliant Lebanon keeper.

Iran will have a break tomorrow before meeting Thailand on Wednesday.

The winners, runners-up and third-placed team of this tournament are all guaranteed a spot at July’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Portugal.

Iran, the side ranked highest in Asia by FIFA, will face Thailand and Lebanon in Group D. In Group B, Japan, who finished fourth at the 2000 and 2005 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups, are set to do battle with China, Vietnam and Kuwait, while the UAE, Uzbekistan and Iraq will compete in Group C.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the competition’s knockout stage ahead of the final which will be held on March 28.

Only six teams have confirmed their 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup places so far – Italy, Portugal, reigning champions Russia, Spain, Switzerland and Fiji.

AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2015 Groups

Group A: Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Laos

Group B: Japan, China, Vietnam, Kuwait

Group C: UAE, Uzbekistan, Iraq

Group D: Iran, Thailand, Lebanon