Rearguard action clinches Brazil last-four spot in Dubai

South Americans to meet hosts UAE in the first Intercontinental Cup semi-final while Nigeria face defending champions Russia in the other.

Nigeria defeated Japan to clinch a last-four spot in the Intercontinental Cup in Dubai. Courtesy www.beachsoccer.com

Brazil survived a major scare in their final Samsung Intercontinental Cup Group B match in Dubai tonight when they came from 3-1 down with less than 10 minutes remaining in the third period to triumph 4-3 over Switzerland.

In a fiery tempered match, the Swiss needed to win to give themselves a chance of progressing to the semi-finals and looked to have done enough in the final period when they opened up a two-goal advantage.

However, the Brazilians showed their class and never-say-die attitude as the clock ran down and scored three quick-fire goals without reply.

Switzerland also had Stephan Meier sent off in the final minute for arguing with the referee.

Nigeria also go through from Group B after they beat Japan 6-5 in the first match tonight.

In Group A, which had already seen the UAE and Russia progress, Tahiti recorded a 4-3 consolation win over the United States.

In the final match of the evening, table-toppers Russia, the world champions, defeated the UAE 3-2 with the winning goal coming two minutes from time, but with both teams safely through to the semi-finals, there was never much riding on the outcome of the game.

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