Iran, UAE in 2024 Beach Soccer World Cup QFs: Preview
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran will lock horns with the UAE in the quarterfinal round of the 2024 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on Thursday.
No players are suspended. Mohammad Masoumi, Mohammadali Mokhtari, Mohammad Moradi (all Iran), Abdulla Abbas, Ahmed Beshr, Ali Mohammad and Walid Mohammad (all United Arab Emirates) will be ruled out of the semi-finals if they are cautioned.
Mohammadali Mokhtari has scored six times already and it puts him among the tournament's deadliest marksmen.
Hamid Behzadpour who scored two goals in their recent win over Tahiti is a player to watch as well.
Humaid Jamal The hosts' shot-stopper claimed a seldom-seen Beach Soccer World Cup clean sheet against Italy and made three saves in the penalty shootout.
Waleed Beshr The energetic Beshr has netted twice so far and played a lung-busting 89 minutes and 24 seconds worth of action.
“We have huge hearts. We have a very strong mindset. We have great players. We came here to become champions, nothing less. All of our players, before the go to sleep each night they think about holding the trophy,” Mehdi Mirjalili, Iran's goalkeeper, said.