Iran fails to reach final of FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup

TEHRAN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran lost to Tahiti on penalty shootout and failed to book a place in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017, Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.

The match got off to a very tentative start with both sides weighing each other's tactics out. The first half witnessed few chances for both sides.

After the interval, Iranian Ali Nazem broke the deadlock with a close-range shot.

Tahiti's Patrick Tepa scored with four and a half minutes left, sending the match to extra time.

Neither side could find the decisive winner in the extra time.

It took 12 attempts to decide the winner, and Tahiti defeated Iran 3-2 on penalties.

Iran will play Italy in the bronze medal match at National Beach Soccer Arena of Malcolm Park in Nassau, the Bahamas on Monday.