Russia have now won a record four of the 10 Intercontinental Cup events, making them the most successful nation in the competition.

This year’s final was a repeat of the Group B clash played earlier this week which the Russians won 4-3.

The two nations have met twice before in the Intercontinental Cup final, with Iran winning on both occasions.

However, Russia ensured it was third time lucky courtesy of Nikonorov’s treble.

Nikonorov spun from a seemingly impossible position to sneak in the opening goal of the final.

His strike was all that separated the sides at the break before he headed in another at the start of the second period and completed his hat-trick with an impressive bicycle kick.

Mohammadali Mokhtari Hassanabad gave Iran hope when he pulled a goal back and then produced an acrobatic effort with 20 seconds left to set up a thrilling finale.

There was a frantic last-minute scramble for an equaliser but Russia held firm for a record-breaking fourth Intercontinental Cup title.

Senegal marked their Intercontinental Cup debut with a bronze medal after overcoming European champions Portugal 7-4.

Seyduna Mandione Laye Diagne notched a hat-trick and Mamadou Sylla bagged a brace, while there were also goals for goalkeeper Ndiaya Al Seyni and Ninou Jean Paul Diatta.

In the other matches, Japan beat Spain in the fifth-place play-off and Paraguay secured seventh with an 8-3 thrashing of hosts UAE.