Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Espinho: Iran’s attempt to seal a spot in the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup quarter-finals will go down to the wire following a scintillating 4-3 defeat at the hands of Brazil on Sunday.
In the wake of their opening win over Spain, Iran’s loss to the four-time world champions means Marco Octavio’s charges, currently second in Group C, must now beat Mexico in their final group stage game on Tuesday to absolutely guarantee themselves a place in the last eight.
On a day of high drama in Portugal, Amir Akbari gave Iran a second minute lead, only for Fernando DDI to equalise for Brazil a mere 21 seconds later.
Unperturbed, Iran hit back swiftly, Akbari grabbing his second and Mohammad Ahmadzadeh also finding the target to put the 2013 Asian champions 3-1 ahead with barely five minutes played.
Brazil were equally quick to respond however, with Bruno Xavier’s penalty and a Bokinha strike ensuring the South Americans ended the first period on level terms.
That Brazil momentum eventually saw them grab the winner courtesy of Mauricinho’s 26th minute effort, a goal that duly left Iran’s World Cup hopes hanging by the most tantalising of threads.
Photo: FIFA / Getty Images