KUALA TERENGGANU: Japan joined Iran and the United Arab Emirates as Asia’s representatives for the 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup in Nassau, the Bahamas from April 27 to May 7.
Japan beat Lebanon 6-2 in the third-place playoff before Iran whipped UAE 7-2 in the following final at Batu Burok today.
It was the UAE’s Haitham Mohamed who impressed the crowd with an impressive ball that fortunately Iran goalkeeper Seyed Hosseini saved well.
Then, Iran came charging back with Moslem Mesigar tapping home from close range to hand his side an early lead.
Clearly boosted by their goal, Iran immediately doubled their advantage through Seyed’s impressive strike to make it 2-0, before Iran skipper Mohammad Ahmadzadeh fired a volley just inches wide.
Iran struck again through Mohammadali Mokhtari’s penalty for a 3-0 lead for the first period.
It was 4-0 for Iran upon resumption, when Moslem coolly headed into the net with UAE goalkeeper Humaid Jamal caught off footed.
Humaid made amends when he reduced the deficit for UAE to trail 1-3 before Haitham gave them a glimmer of hope to score to narrow it to 2-3.
But goals by Seyed Nazem, Amir Akbari and Mohammadali’s penalty ensured Iran were crowned champions.
In an earlier match, Japan drew first blood via Takasuke Goto from close-range in the second minute.
Tomoyuki Iino came closer to doubling his side’s advantage shortly after, only for Lebanon to then fight back courtesy of skipper Mohamad Merhi’s decent effort, which goalkeeper Shingo Terukina did well to save.
With Japan slowly increasing the pressure, Takaaki Oba’s acrobatic bicycle kick thumped against the woodwork, before his side’s efforts eventually paid off when Oba’s pinpoint pass found Shotaro Haraguchi who fired home eight seconds before the end of the second period to give Mendes Marcelo’s charges a 2-0 lead.
Mohamad came close to reducing the deficit with a firm header that struck the woodwork moments later.
Lebanon finally scored through Haitham Fattal whose strike squeezed past Japanese custodian Shingo.
However, Japan dug deep and duly extended their lead to 3-1 through yet another Goto goal – his eighth of the tournament.
The third period began positively for Lebanon with Mohamad rifling home a free-kick to bring his side back into contention at 3-2.
But Japan responded in fine style as Goto notched his third of the game with a simple tap-in for a 4-2 lead.
The rollercoaster continued as Fattal notched his second goal of the match, only to see Japan then round off a memorable campaign, and book their ticket to the Bahamas, with further strikes from Oba and the impressive Goto. Final score, Japan 6, Lebanon 2.
Meanwhile, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Shaikh Salman Ebrahim Al Khalifa poured congratulatory messages to Iran, UAE and Japan for qualifying for the Bahamas.
“I would like to congratulate Iran who were a formidable force from start to finish. UAE should also be praised for their brilliant efforts in a captivating final.
“Along with Japan, Asia has three teams of outstanding quality and I am confident that they will do the continent proud in the Bahamas,” he said.
Salman also praised Terengganu for their warm hospitality and excellent organisational ability for a fantastic competition.
“This is the first time the tournament was hosted in Southeast Asia and it once again represents the AFC’s vision and mission to better engage with passionate football fans across the continent,” Salman said.
Iran have been drawn to face Italy, Mexico and Nigeria in Group B at the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Runners-up UAE are in Group C, where they will compete against Panama, Paraguay and Portugal, while third-placed Japan will feature in Group D comprising Brazil, Poland and Tahiti at the Bahamas Beach Stadium in Nassau.
Iran will open Asia’s campaign in the Bahamas against Mexico on April 27, 3.30pm (local time). Japan and UAE will begin their conquests the following day on April 28 against Poland and Paraguay at 3.30pm and 8pm (local time), respectively.