Iran and Italy had met previously during the group stage of Bahamas 2017 where the European side pulled out a 5-4 victory over the Persian side. However, at the play-off showdown, it was Iran’s turn to come out victorious.
Mohammad Ahmadzadeh scored his seventh goal of the tournament and Iran’s first goal at the decisive debut. Ahmadzadeh managed to score the second of the match early in the second period to increase his overall tally to eight.
Iran could take a 3-0 lead when Mohammad Mokhtari struck a phenomenal overhead kick. Meanwhile, Gabriele Gori of Italy scored two successive goals for the Italians to get back into the match.
Italy’s hopes did not last long since Iran’s Maesigar found the net for Iran less than a minute later. Later, Ahmadzadeh completed his hat-trick with a late penalty.
The sweet victory sealed Iran's place in the record books as best ever achievement for Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The final match of 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup was competed between Brazil and Tahiti in Bahamas where the Brazilian won their fifth championship title after a 6-0 victory over Tahiti in the final in Nassau.
Iran’s Goalkeeper Peyman Hosseini, who had a stand-out tournament, was awarded the ‘Golden Glove’. He scored the first goal of Bahamas 2017 with a long-range volley, he has been a crucial part of Iran's success on the goalkeeping front too. During their play-off for third place against Italy, he made a stunning, off-balance diving foot save early in the match that got the crowd out of their seats.
Mohammad Ahmadzadeh of Iran was also named the best player of the tournament and received the ‘Golden Ball’ award as well as the ‘Bronze Scorer’ title.
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