Iran Beach Soccer National Team will meet Russia i the final of the Huawei Intercontinental Beach Soccer championship in Dubai.
After Iran defeated Egypt 3-1 in the first semi-final, Russia met Brazil in the other semi final to take a 3-0 lead against the Brazilians in the 3rd period. The Latin American champions came back strongly and managed to equalize 5-5 in a thriller. Russia won on [penalty kicks.
This is the second meeting between Iran and Russia . In group stages, Iran defeated Russia 3-2.
After the marathon semi against Brazil, the Russians will possibly suffer from fatigue. It will be to a great advantage for Team Melli to lift the trophy once again in the Intercontinental Beach Soccer championship
SEMI FINAL Report
Iran v Egypt
The first of the day’s semi-final saw the undefeated Iran take on Egypt for a place in tomorrow’s final. It was clear from the start how much passage to the last round meant to these teams…
The game started at an electrically high pace from the kick-off, with players chasing down every pass and getting away as many shots as possible. But defence was as good as attack, and the alert goalkeepers were kept in action at both ends.
Despite a high quantity of shots the scoreline remained unchanged all the way through the first period and far from being a dull match, the tension seemed to build as the players went back to their benches to regroup.
It was obvious that both sides were desperate not to fall behind and the second period went very similarly to the first: high intensity, but still no goals. That is, until, the Iranian number fifteen, Masoumizadeh, forced some space for himself to set up an overhead which the keeper couldn’t swat away, despite getting a finger to it.
The stalemate finally broken, the game suddenly took on a very different feel. Egypt were chasing and would have to increase their attacking play even more. The second whistle went with the slim lead still intact for Iran.
Quite the contrary of being content with their advantage, Iran had tasted blood, and pushed for more goals, hitting the post and piling the attacks on the Egyptian defence. A second goal was coming and the former champions found it through Mirshekari who came diving in at the back post to poke in an overhead shot that had been heading wide.
The huge numbers of Iranian fans in the crowd screamed with joy, but then the Egyptian captain, Samir, converted a penalty and the noise receded a little as the score sat at a close 2-1… but just for a matter of seconds as Kiani reinstalled a two-goal advantage with a sweet volley directly from the restart.
Egypt mounted some last-minute attacks but the Persians defended effectively to see out the final moments, sealing that crucial spot in the final. Egypt will play in tomorrow’s third-place play-offs, while Iran have the chance the repeat beach socer history.
Goals: 1-0: Masoumizadeh, min. 4 (2); 2-0: A. Mirshekari, min. 4 (3); 2-1: M. Samir, min. 4 (3); 3-1: M. Kiani, min. 4 (3);