Victoria: Iran concluded their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 Group B campaign with a 7-5 defeat to two-time champions Portugal on Monday.

The loss saw AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 champions Iran finishing second in Group B, setting up a quarter-final meeting against Group A winners Belarus on Thursday. Portugal will face Japan.

Team Melli struck first inside The Paradise Arena. Seyed Mirjalili dribbled the ball forward and, with the Portuguese expecting a trademark volley, cannily played a perfect pass to Mohammadali Nazarzadeh, whose excellent, acrobatic finish gave Pedro Mano no chance.

Andre Lourenco equalised, but Iran regained the lead through Reza Amiri’s stunning overhead kick.

A period of Portuguese dominance then ensued. Leo Martins, one of the most lethal finishers in the game, turned provider as they netted five goals without reply. 

Mohammadali Mokhtari pulled one back in style, only for Miguel Pintado to restore Portugal’s four-goal advantage. 

Nazarzadeh and Mokhtari pulled two back for Iran, but it was too little, too late.