Iran Press/Iran news: The 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup semi-finalists took the first step to return to the global Finals, prevailing in a spirited encounter against their neighbors to take three points, Tehran Times reported.
Marco Octavio's men can now enjoy the luxury of a four-day break, while Iraq has little choice but to take points from their second and final group stage match against Oman on Sunday, AFC reported. The Iranian team will have their second group stage match against Oman on Tuesday.
Ranked second in the world, the Iranians were strong favorites, but Iraq - who took just one point from three matches in 2017 - has steadily improved in recent times, and they gave an example of their progress when Sajjad Salah blasted a free kick past Hamid Behzadpour to give them a second-minute lead.
For a time, Iraq's advantage remained intact, but a series of fouls gave Iran numerous opportunities to hit back, one of which was eventually taken by Ali Mirshekari, whose eighth-minute effort flicked up off the sand to beat Mohammed Saad.
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