Iran held off a spirited Mexican fightback to win their Group C clash 3-2 and close on a place in the knockout stages, eliminating Mexico in the process. Iran stormed into a three-goal lead, with Mohammad Ahmadzadeh and Faroogh Dara’s second period efforts building on Amir Akbari’s first period opener. The Mexicans responded with two second period goals of their own, through Gerardo Gomez and Abdiel Villa, but it was not enough to prevent their side being knocked out.

Akbari, featuring at his third global finals, scored inside the opening two minutes once again, as he had against Brazil in his side’s most recent match. Ahmadzadeh then grabbed his third goal in three games in Espinho with a spectacular overhead kick, before Dara’s fist Beach Soccer World Cup goal since 2007 helped Marco Octavio’s side into a seemingly unassailable lead.

The Mexicans hit back minutes later though through Gomez and Villa, both grabbing their first ever Beach Soccer World Cup goals. Despite applying pressure in the closing stages, the Mexicans could not find the crucial leveller – thanks in part to some spectacular goalkeeping from Peyman Hosseini – and head home without a victory to their name. Iran await the outcome of Brazil’s showdown with Spain later today to see if they have secured their place in the quarter-finals.

If Brazil beats Spain later on , Iran will qualify to meet Tahiti , the surprise group D winner . The pacific nation team defeated Russia 6-7 in a game played after Mexico-Iran match.