(Photo credit Aitor Alcalde – FIFA/FIFA, Getty Images)
At the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup held in Dubai, twice-defeated finalist Tahiti lost to Iran in the final group match and finished runners-up in Group B.
Tiki Toa surrendered a 2-0 lead in the second period and lost 5-3 to the Asian champions in the group decider.
Tahiti will face Group A winners Italy in the quarter-finals on Saturday morning (6am NZT). Italy first played the tournament's first goalless draw against the hosts UAE, losing 1-3 on penalties. UAE will play Iran for a place in the semi-finals.
In the match against Iran, Tahiti were on the back foot for most of the opening half, with the Iranian side only making 7 of 18 shots on goal. Neither team was able to find the net.
But in the second period, Teari'i Labaste put Tiki Toa ahead with a spectacular bicycle kick with just over two minutes remaining, followed by Luunui Tinirauari'i with just over two minutes remaining.
(Photo credit Aitor Alcalde – FIFA/FIFA, Getty Images)
Iran got back into the game 30 seconds before the end of the period with a stunning long-range shot from goalkeeper Hamid Behzadpour.
The Iranians continued their attack on the Tahiti goal in the final period, leveling the score in the fourth minute and taking the lead shortly after with a brilliant second goal from the keeper. Teonui Tehau's own goal extended the lead, and Patrick Tepa pulled one back for Tahiti to set up a grandstand finish.
A woodwork attack nearly tied the score, and Mohammad Mokhtari sealed the victory for Iran with an unstoppable overhead kick with less than two minutes remaining. Iran had 25 shots on target compared to 11 for Tahiti, giving them a deserved victory. Tiki Toa must rebuild his team in time for the quarterfinals against Italy.
Tahiti 3 (Teali Labaste 12' Ronui Tinirauali 22' Patrick Tepa 32')
IR Iran 5 (Mohammad Masmizadeh 24' 31' Seyed Mirjalili 28' Theonui Tehau (OG) 32' Mohammad Mokhtari 35')
