Iran were largely untroubled as they handed Saudi Arabia a 6-0 loss in their semi-final encounter on Saturday with goalkeeper Seyedmohammad Dastan hogging the limelight with two wonderful volleyed goals.

Naderi Hossein’s team have netted a whopping 47 goals with the head coach counting on his free-scoring side to once again illuminate the Jomtien Beach Arena.

“I was very happy with the result and also happy to have completed our first goal of reaching the World Cup,” said Hossein. “Our next goal now is to be champions. 

“Our team’s quality is that we will always be looking to get goals because that’s how we want to play and that’s how we want to control the game.”

Oman stunned three-time champions Japan 3-2 in their semi-final and head coach Talib Hilal has challenged his players to go all the way. 

“We were waiting for this moment for 10 years and the time has finally come,” said Hilal. “Hopefully our dream will come true because that is the only thing we have been thinking about for the past two years.

“Today’s game (against Japan) had a heavy pressure because the ticket to the World Cup was on the line, now we enter the final with a different sort of pressure but slightly lighter.:

“I’m sure it will not be an open game. I can say it’s more a coach’s match rather than players because whoever wins the tactical battle will be the winner.”

Despite their respective defeats, Saudi Arabia and Japan will have it all to play for in the third-place playoff on Sunday, with the winners advancing to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. 

IR Iran v Oman

Venue: Jomtien Beach Arena (Pattaya)

Kick-off: Sunday, 20:30 (UTC+7)

Saudi Arabia v Japan

Venue: Jomtien Beach Arena (Pattaya)

Kick-off: Sunday, 18:30 (UTC+7)