RUS v IRI in Men's Beach Soccer Semifinals at Katara Beach during day five of the 1st ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019 (Photo David Aliaga / Laurel Photo Services)
Russia trounced Iran 6-2 to reach the final of the ANOC World beach Games at Katara Beach on Tuesday evening.
In Wednesday's final, Iran will take on either Brazil or Italy, who play in the second semi-final on Tuesday at the same venue.
Russian Anton Shkarin was happy they have ended the losing streak against the Iranians.
“For the last two years we’ve played three times against them and we lost three times. So, the most important thing, and the most important feeling our players felt was anger, because we wanted to finally win over them,” said Shkarin after the match.
“So, for the present moment we haven’t realised yet that we’re in the final, because now the most important thing is that we finally won over Iran,” he added.
Shkarin said Russia fell back in defense with six minutes left for the final. With the score line reading 3–2.
“The coach told us that we have only six minutes left, and it means that we shall not allow them to score, but we shall score, and if we score then we will win. That is what happened.”
Russia are looking forward to a final against Brazil, with Shkarin placing his money on the South Americans to get past the challenge of Italy in the second semi-final.
“First of course we should forget this match because now it is in the past. I believe that the [winner of] second final will be Brazil and the matches, Russia v Brazil, are brilliant for spectators. I think it’s going to be a very interesting match.”
