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Japan and Iran through to the final

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Japan and Iran booked their places in the 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after reaching the final of the Asian qualifiers in Doha on Friday.

The Japanese went through difficult times against a well organized Australian side, and they waited until the third period to get the lead through the experienced Takeshi Kawaharazuka. The 37-year old played in Japan's oldest player and he played in a number of FIFAWorld Cups in addition to finishing the 2011 Asian Qualifier Tournament as top scorer.

With seven minutes left on the clock, Shinji Makino added another goal for the Beach Samurai Blues. but two minutes late Nikas pulled one back for the Australians to set up a nail-biting final five minutes.

Japan's goalkeeper Shingo Terukina was in great form as he blocked all Aussie attempts including a brilliant header from David Zdrillic to give his team the victory.

The Beach Socceroos were brave but unlucky in this game, and at the end the experience of the Japanese made the difference.

Japan's coach Ruy Ramos admitted that the game was always going to be difficult for his team, "We were not surprised by Australia’s strength because when you reach these stages of the tournament there are no easy teams. My dream is to win, thereby becoming the first manager to win three Asian continental tournaments in a row”.

Iran will be the ultimate test for the Beach Blue Samurais. The West Asian giants never won this tournament, but they clinched gold in the 2012 Asian Beach Games in Haiyang, China, and can be considered Asia's top team at the moment.



In the semifinals they defeated two-time champions UAE 3-2 in a hard-fought game. Moslem Mesigar gave them the lead after seven minutes of the first period.

Ali Karim equalized early in the second period, but Hassan Abdollahi replied quickly to restore his team's lead.

Mohamed Ahmedzadeh added another goal for Iran in the third period to give them a 3-1 lead, but five minutes before the final whistle Ali Karim reduced the deficit again with a wonderful bicycle kick.

The "Beach Whites" battled hard in the final minutes but the Iranian experienced defense was up to the task.

After the game, Iran's Brazilian coach Marco Octavio said that his team deserved their place in the final after the hard work the did during the tournament. He also said that the UAE side played a very well game.

The final match will kick off today at 20:15.

Before the final, fans will have the chance to follow a great friendly encounter between European giants FC Barcelona and AC Milan, it will kick off at 19:00.

The third place playoff will also be a good one to watch as Australia and UAE will be battling for the final ticket to Tahiti 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Entry for all matches is free and there will be a number of FC Barcelona official shirts signed by the first team players including Lionel Messi.

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