Iran hold their nerve to reach FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Quarters [VIDEO]

AFC – NASSAU, The Islamic Republic of Iran held their nerve to beat Nigeria 2-1 on penalties on Monday (local time) and advance to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017.

With the two sides level at 4-4 following extra-time, it was the Iranians who remained firm to emerge with the one point for a win via penalties and – in the process – seal a place in the last eight as Group B runners-up.

Two goals apiece from Mohammad Ahmadzadeh and Mohammad Mokhtari kept Iran in the hunt throughout, but Nigeria refused to buckle, and twice lead their Asian opponents in a topsy-turvy game at the National Beach Soccer Arena in Nassau.

With Switzerland awaiting the winner, Ali Nazem and Amir Akbari both converted their penalties before Ogodo rattled the bar with his spot kick to send the Iranians through.

*Iran will face Group A winners Switzerland in the quarter-finals on May 4
*The Iranians also reached the quarter-finals in 2013 and 2015
*Teams winning games via a penalty shootout only receive one point – not the normal three

Goal Scorers:
Nigeria: TALE 14’45” pen, EMMANUEL 18’54”, GODSPOWER, 21’07”, IBENEGBU 32’20”
Iran: AHMADZADEH 7’53”, 20’05”, MOKHTARI 15’30”, 32’47”