Defending champion Iran lost to Portugal in the 2014 Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup on Tuesday. The match played at the custom-built sand pitch at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) was the second for Iran after the opening day win against host UAE , which Iran won 2-1
Portugal rode on a double from skipper Joao Vitor Madjer to secure an exciting 4-2 win against defending champions Iran.
After a barren first period, it was Madjer who gave the Europeans the lead in the fourth minute following a superb move with Nuno Belchior. But Iran responded superbly with Mohammad Ahmadzadeh coming up with two lovely strikes in as many minutes to lead for the first time at the end of the second period.
Portugal returned with fresh ideas in the final period and it was Nuno Belchior who nudged a Madjer pass for the equalizer in the very first minute. Madjer came up with a lovely overhead kick to restore Portugal’s lead, and three minutes later goalkeeper Seyed Peyman Hosseinilargani watched in horror as a Belchior attempt strayed past his reach.
Iran’s last group game is against Morocco at 20:00 UAE time. Iran needs a win to secure a place in the next round.
SAMSUNG Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup Dubai
Group Stage – Group A
| Team | P | W | W+ | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 POR |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
 IRN |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 3 |
 MAR |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 3 |
 UAE |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 0 |