Iran Falls Short to Portugal in 2025 Beach Soccer World Cup
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran concluded the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 Group B campaign with a 7-5 defeat to two-time champion Portugal on Monday.
The loss saw AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025 champion Iran finishing second in Group B, setting up a quarter-final meeting against Group A winner Belarus on Thursday. Portugal will face Japan.
Team Melli struck first inside the Paradise Arena. Mehdi Mirjalili dribbled the ball forward and, with the Portuguese expecting a trademark volley, cannily played a perfect pass to Mohammadali Nazarzadeh, whose excellent, acrobatic finish gave Pedro Mano no chance.
Andre Lourenco equalized, but Iran regained the lead through Reza Amiri’s stunning overhead kick.
A period of Portuguese dominance then ensued. Leo Martins, one of the most lethal finishers in the game, turned provider as the team netted five goals without reply.
Mohammadali Mokhtari pulled one back in style, only for Miguel Pintado to restore Portugal’s four-goal advantage.
Nazarzadeh and Mokhtari pulled two back for Iran, but it was too little, too late.
