FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup: Irans Road to the Quarter-Finals

AFC – ESPINHO, How They Qualified for the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup

Iran finished third at the AFC Beach Soccer Championship in March to seal their ticket to the global extravaganza, while Japan finished as runners-up to winner Oman.

The Story So Far in Portugal: IRAN (finished second in Group C behind Brazil)

Top Scorer: Amir Akbari (3)

Spain 5-6 Iran

Despite having Mostafa Kiani dismissed for picking up a second yellow card, Iran began their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup campaign in style. Having seemed down and out with very little time remaining, Iran sealed all three points when Mohammad Mokhtari expertly chipped the ball over Spain goalkeeper Dona to seal a last gasp victory.

Iran 3-4 Brazil

A late winner from Mauricinho saw four-time world champions narrowly edge Iran. Marco Octavio’s charges had, at one point, been 3-1 to the good at the Espinho Stadium, and the defeat left them knowing that they needed to beat Mexico in their final group game – and hope for a favourable result when Spain tackled Brazil later the same day – if they were to progress.

Iran 3-2 Mexico

Iran’s win over Mexico, coupled with Brazil’s subsequent defeat of Spain helped the Iranians seal a spot in the last eight. Amir Akbari, a veteran of three World Cups, opened the scoring for Iran, before Mohammad Ahmadzadeh and Faroogh Dara increased their side’s lead. Despite a late Mexican rally, Iran held on to progress to the World Cup knockout phase for only the second time.

What Next?

Iran are scheduled to play Tahiti, who surprisingly topped Group D ahead of reigning champions Russia, on Thursday (local time).