Tehrantimes - Iran defeated three-time Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup champion Russia and booked a place in the semi-final.

Iran beat Russia 3-1 on penalties in a thrilling battle for top spot in Group B.

The Iranians should have won in regulation time, up 3-2 as the match headed into the final 55 seconds, but Alexsey Makarov managed to find the equalizer in those frantic final moments to force the game to three minutes of extra time, and then penalties, where Russia could find the target only once.

Iran, the 2013 champion, will face Tahiti in the semi-final and Russia play Brazil.

Tahiti was earlier defeated 10-4 by Brazil in the battle for top spot in Group A.

The Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup is an international beach soccer tournament which is currently being held in the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The invitation-only tournament has been held annually starting in 2011. It will continue until at least 2017.

The competition bares many similarities to the FIFA Confederations Cup, however is not so strict on entry requirements.