Iran, USA playing catch-up

FIFA - Despite losing their opening matches to Portugal and Spain respectively, Iran and USA both showed real potential. Iran had Portugal on the back foot for a lot of the match, while the Americans were very much a match for Spain for the first two periods.

The match
Iran-USA, Rio de Janeiro, Sunday 4 November, 14h00 (local time)

The stakes
Both teams need to win to keep their fate in their own hands. Iran have a definite advantage sitting on the bench in the form of coach Marco Octavio, who has infused his squad with fighting spirit and tactical discipline. His USA counterpart Roberto Ceciliano will be hoping that his charges do not repeat the mistakes made against Spain.

The players
Iran have a full squad to choose from while Raphael Xexeo is suspended for USA.

The history
This is the first time that USA and Iran will have met at a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

The words
We'll be facing a strong, experienced team playing at their third World Cup. We're going to play our natural game knowing that we need to face this type of opposition if we want to make progress. Marco Otavio,Irancoach

We have a critical match ahead of us. If we want to get a decent result out of it, we will have to stick to the way we play and not let our emotions get the better of us. Roberto Ceciliano,USAcoach.