The UAE went down to Iran 3-1 in a penalty shootout after a 4-4 deadlock in the beach soccer semi-finals in the fourth Asian Beach Games in Phuket, Thailand, on Thursday.
They meet Vietnam in the bronze medal play-off for third while the Iran, the defending champions and bronze medallists in 2010, meet Japan in the final, both Friday.
Iran went 2-0 up through Mohammed Ahmadzadeh and Ali Naderi. Walid Mohammed and Humaid Al Balooshi were on target for the UAE while Naderi struck in-between for a 3-2 score in the next period.
The UAE rallied to level 4-4 with goals from Mohammed and Ali Karim after Farid Boulokbashi had struck for Iran early in the third period. The extra time of play ended in a deadlock, and the game was decided in a shootout.
"We tried our best," said Karim. "We'll have to put this result behind us and now try to win the next game against Vietnam.
"It was a close game against Iran. They are a good side and we matched them in every aspect of the game to take it to extra time. It was quite unfortunate to lose in a shootout.
"Indeed it was very depressing to come so close and then lose. The next best thing we can achieve is the bronze medal and we'll have to give our best shot at that."
Japan will play their first Asian Beach Games final, after running past Vietnam in the first semi-final.
Despite being one of the powerhouses in the continent, and being crowned Asian Beach Soccer kings on several occasions, Japan had never managed to get this far. Now having broken the barrier, they will be looking to dethrone Iran.
apassela@thenational.ae
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if you go
The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.
The trip
Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
