PFDC – Iran defeated Mexico by a score of 3-2 in its last match of the group stage in the 2015 Beach Soccer World Cup in Espinho Portugal, to book its second consecutive quarterfinals’ appearance in the competition.<\/p>\n
For the third time in as many matches, Team Melli took the lead with less than 2 minutes on the clock with a long range shot from Akbari, but failed to convert its chances in the remainder of the period, despite a one man advantage after a Mexican red card.<\/p>\n
Ahmadzadeh doubled Iran’s lead less than two minutes into the 2nd period with a wonderfully struck bicycle kick and Dara gave Iran a three goal lead 21 seconds later off a rebound in front of the net. \u00a0But it was the Mexicans who took charge for the rest of the period, scoring two goals in minutes 19 and 22.<\/p>\n
Both teams missed their chances in the third period and Iran held on for a valuable win that set a few records for Team Melli, including the most wins in a World Cup (2), as well as most number of points (6) and the least goals against (11) in the group stage.<\/p>\n
On Monday,\u00a0fellow AFC members Japan also booked their spot in the\u00a0knock-out round\u00a0to give the fans in the world’s largest and most populous continent, their fair share of teams to support, for the second time running.<\/p>\n
Iran will face Tahiti\u00a0who finished on top of Group D with 9 points, on Thursday July 16th. \u00a0This is Iran’s 3rd match of the tournament against one of the last edition’s semi-finalists! \u00a0The two teams have never met in a competitive match before.<\/p>\n
Iran-Tahiti Match Time: \u00a018:30 local time, 13:30 EST, 19:30 CEST, 22:00 Tehran time.<\/strong><\/p>\n