Dubai.

Iran’s Beach Soccer team came from behind to defeat the host UAE 2-1 to reach to the final match of the Samsung Beach Soccer intercontinental Cup.

In a packed arena in Jumeira Beach in Dubai, consisting mostly of Iranian fans who were immensely outnumbering the local fans , the two teams started cautiously. Iran was suffering a major handicap in the match with the absence of 3 of their stars due to suspension.  Despite the slow start, Iran had better of the scoring chances, but the first period ended goalless. In this period the first of the controversial refereeing decisions saw Iran’s Ali Naderi given a yellow card for diving , although there was a definite contact by the UAE defender in that incident. That decision meant that Naderi will miss the final match.

The rhythm of the game picked up in the second period with UAE goalkeeper being the busier of the two keepers saving several shots from Iran player. Again none of the team managed to score in this period as well, despite the number of chances falling for Iran.

In the third period, the match came alive suddenly when Adel Ali of the UAE scored from a header in controversial circumstances and against the run of play. At the time of scoring , there were two balls in the pitch , one of which was right in the Iran goal area, but the referees failed to notice that and counted the goal despite Iranian protests.

Right from re-start after the UAE goal , Iran equalized through Ahmadzadeh who shoot right from the center to the left of the overstretched UAE keeper. The UAE keeper failed to save despite his gallant effort. Two minutes later , Ahmadzadeh turned provider when he send a corner for Mokhtari who scored with a spectacular volley into the UAE net to make it 2-1.

The dying period of the match, saw the hat trick of the controversial refereeing and a certain embarrassing situation. Adel Ali , UAE’s scorer , who was awarded a yellow card when he took off his jersey in celebration , was called for a dive and simulation near the end of the match, therefore given a yellow card. But to the surprise of everyone in the match, the UAE player did not leave the field. It took Iranian players to remind the referee that the player already has a booking and this would be a red card. The two referees consulted and eventually the UAE player was given his marching order!

Iran will be meeting the winner of the other semi-final between. Russia vs. Switzerland in the final of Samsung Beach Soccer intercontinental Cup.