Iran’s Beach soccer team narrowly lost the Semi Finals of AFC Asian Beach Soccer championship 2015 after going down 4-5 to Japan in Katar beach , in Doha.

The thrilling match between two of the strongest Beach Soccer teams had a whirlwind start when Iran was two goals up within minutes in the first period Hassan Abdollahi scored the first 1-0 while Mohammad Ahmadzadeh  from penalty spot made it 2-0.
Ahmadzadeh  and the Brazilian born Japan Captain Moreira Ozu personal duels defined the destiny of this match.
The first period ended 2-0.
In the second half , Japan played was completely a different team, as they scored 4 goals Hirofumi , Shusei and 2 goals by Takasuke  to go in front 4-2 . Before the end of the period, Iran’s Captain Ali Naderi 3-4 scored to keep the pressure on Japan and ensure the continuation of the excitement..

The second period finished 3-4 in favor of Japan.

The third and final period was fast and furious with some rough play by both teams resulting in dangerous foul shoots. It was another one of those numerous personal duels of Ahmadzadeh and Ozu that referee whistled for a penalty,  spotting a shirt pull by the Japanese Captain on Iran’s forward. Ahmadzadeh himself took the spot kick with the chance to tie the match. However , the veteran failed to convert the penalty as the keeper saved his kick.

The next Ahmadzadeh and Ozu duel had a reverse decision as this time Ozu was the beneficiary of a call. The Japanese ferocious long-range free kick hit the under bar of Peyman Yousefi’s goal and bounced inside before rolling out. The referee called a goal and Japanese were rejoicing with their two goal lead at 3-5.
Iran was not throwing the towel though as  Mostafa Kiani 4-5 increased the heat on Japan with a fantastic free kick goal in the top of the goal. The thrilling match was not over yet with a few minutes left.
Last gasp attacks by both teams failed to produce another goal as the referee whistled for the end of the match.

It was a heart breaking loss for Iran who went down bravely against a powerful and well-organized team. Ahmadzadeh’s missed a vital penalty and a free kick that he normally delivers with ease. It was not his day.

Iran will Play Lebanon tomorrow for a match they have to win to make it to the FIFA Beach Soccer Championship in Portugal. The two teams already met at group stage where Iran beat the Lebanese team coached by Iranian Moghaddam , 3-2 in a close and hard fought match .