Iran 2-1 United Arab Emirates

Iran came from behind to defeat the United Arab Emirates in front of a raucous Dubai Design District Stadium crowd and reach the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™ semi-finals. 

The hosts took the lead in the second period when Ali Mohammad crossed for an unmarked Abdulla Abbas to head home. Just over three minutes later, though, Iran were level when Mohammad Masoumi scored a header of his own, before goalkeeper Seyed Mehdi Mirjalili netted with a terrific volley.

While the UAE, who had not trailed at any point in the tournament before Mirjalili struck, tried to get back into the game, they couldn’t find a way through a staunch Iranian rearguard.

Mirjalili’s goal is the fifth goal scored by the two Iranian goalkeepers in this edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Team Melli will now face Brazil in the semi-finals on Saturday. In the other semi-finals, Italy will meet Belarus.

Iran goals: Masoumi, Mirjalili

United Arab Emirates goals: Abbas

Player of the Match: Seyed Mehdi Mirjalili