Defending champions Iran began the 10th edition of the Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup on Tuesday with the Persian Leopards defeating Paraguay 8-6 in its first match on Tuesday night.

Iran Press/Middle East: Mehdi Shirmohammadi, Mohammadali Mokhtari, and Mohammad Moradi scored two goals each. Mostafa Kiani and Amirhossein Akbari also were on target.

Iran will face Japan and Russia on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively in Group B.  

Iran won the last Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup in 2019 with a 6-3 win over Spain.

The Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup will run until November 6 with hosts, the United Arab Emirates, drawn into Group A against European champions Portugal.

Iran will be the most decorated team of the prestigious tournament if win the title for the fourth time.

Brazil and Russia have won the title three times each.

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