Iran runner-up at Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup Dubai 2016

Iran men’s national beach soccer team has achieved a commendable second-place finish at the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup Dubai 2016 in the United Arab Emirates.

The Iranian squad, which had defeated Tahiti 8-6 in a semi-final match at the Dubai International Marine Club the previous day, lost the title clash of the invitation-only tournament to South American powerhouse Brazil 2-6 on Saturday evening.

Forwards Moslem Mesigar and Mohammad Ahmadzadeh tacked the two goals for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Earlier in the day, Russia clinched a narrow 4-3 win over Tahiti’s Tiki Toa (The Warrior Gods) and was awarded to the international sporting event’s third-placed side.

Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup Dubai 2016, the sixth edition of the tournament, started at the Dubai International Marine Club on November 1 and concluded on November 5.

The tournament was played as a round-robin in group stage, after which the top two teams qualified for the semi-final round.

The semi-finals were played between the winner of the Group A against the Group B runner-up and vice versa.

The Iranian outfit defeated Russia 3-1 in the penalty shootout on Thursday to finish top of Group B, and advance to the tournament’s semi-final round.

Last year, Iran beat Egypt 3-2 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in the regulation time, and claimed the third spot.

The Iranians defeated Russia 4-3 in the title showdown of the 2013 edition of the Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup and emerged champion.

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