Ali Nadeli’s side met Oman in the finals in search of a record fourth title and booked tickets to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025.
As they are competing in the finals, both teams have taken a cautious approach to opening times, with Saudi Arabia focusing on being defensively organised to close Iran’s space.
There was a half chance while Iranian Ali Nazem had a shot blocked by Saudi goalkeeper Mohamed Arazim, but on the other side, custodian Seyedmadi Mirjaliri stopped the effort from Khalid Mudaya.
The deadlock broke in the seventh minute when Iranian alternative keeper Seymohammed Dastan showed accuracy from afar, and the volley broke into the upper corner, past Aladmi’s extended hand.
Feeling their moment, Iran opened up Saudi Arabia’s defense for the first time in the game, so after two minutes they doubled their advantages, giving Nazem the opportunity to break the overhead strike.
Saudi Arabia showed more offensive intentions in the second period. Eslam Hussay’s efforts bouncing just above the bar, but Majed Shamhani made a low save for Mirjaliri to the left, but was unable to abandon their chance.
Movahed Mohammadpour discovered Ali Mishekari in the space in the 22nd minute, and the Iranian forward accepted an invitation to power on an overhead strike to win the campaign’s ninth goal.
Iran maintained its strength in the third term as it added more targets through Mohammad Masoumizadeh (27th), Dastan (31st) and Mirsikari (36th) to seal its passing into the final.
Despite the defeat, Saudi Arabia will look to the third place playoff ball on Sunday, offering the winner a spot for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
MP/TT