Samba boys face Iran; Russia take on Portugal in semifinals

Action from the match between Paraguay and Mexico (Supplied photo)

Dubai - The difference in class was apparent as Brazil ran roughshod against the UAE 15-4

World champions Brazil will square off against Iran, while Russia take on Portugal in the semifinals of the Huawei Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup on Friday.
The difference in class was apparent as Brazil ran roughshod against the UAE 15-4 at Marasi, Business Bay, on Thursday, to remain unbeaten and top Group A with nine points. It was win No.45 for Brazil and the 'Canarinha' have scored an astonishing 30 goals so far.
Russia, meanwhile, nicked their third win, beating Iran 4-3 in extra time after the Group B battle for the top spot had been level 3-3 in regulation time.
In the most entertaining game of the night, Portugal and Egypt went the distance before 'Seleccao das Quinas' won the Group A game 3-1 on penalties. There was nothing separating them as regulation time and the three minutes of extra-time had seen the scores being deadlocked 6-6.
Portugal captain Madjer, undoubtedly the best beach soccer player, was on target, first up, in the shoot-out. Shika scored for Egypt, while Pedro Silva gave Portugal the lead. Elshahat's shot was saved by goalkeeper Elinton Andrade after which Jordan Santos, who had fired a hat-trick in regulation time, sealed it for Portugal before taking off his jersey to celebrate.
Madjer had scored a brace, while Bruno Torres scored one, in regulation time.
Egypt had taken a shock lead through Hassane Hussein but Jordan was to equalise for Portugal, moments later. Torres then gave Portugal the lead after which a peach of a strike from Madjer made it 3-1.
Egypt went on the counter with a little more than three minutes remaining in the first period with captain Mohamed Gamal's first attempt, a lob over Andrade, hitting the cross bar. He still had a chance with virtually an open goal in front with just a defender there but Gamal fluffed his lines and fired it over.
It was to be a costly mistake as Jordan made it 4-1 and Madjer struck with 22 seconds left to go into the break with a handsome 5-1 lead.
Hassane scored Egypt's second and Elhusseini Taha reduced it further after latching onto Gamal's pass.
Portugal were denied by the woodwork twice with Be Martins' effort hitting the right post after which Leonardo Santos' attempt hit the cross bar after Be Martins had squared it up.
Shika scored to make it 4-5 after which Mohamed Aly brought Egypt back into the game by making it 5-5. They then took the lead through Sasa but Jordan headed into the far corner of the net to draw level.
Earlier, in the first fixture of the afternoon, Paraguay got their first win by edging past Mexico in a thrilling Group B contest. The Albirroja won 5-4.
Mexico had led 4-3 with four minutes remaining but with two minutes left on the clock, Paraguay levelled it at 4-4.
Midfielder Edgar Daniel Barreto Sosa then scored the winner from a freekick, with 84 seconds remaining.

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