Two of UAE's finest beach soccer players continued their development by impressing at the Clubs World Championship in Brazil.
Humaid Jamal and Ali Karim had already caught the attention of talent scouts when representing the country in the beach soccer team at the World Cup qualifying event in Muscat last month before playing starring roles for Lokomotiv Moscow and Seattle respectively at the 12-team tournament staged in Sao Paulo.
Jamal helped Lokomotiv Moscow to the semi-finals where they lost by the odd goal in nine to Sporting Lisbon, while Karim helped Seattle reach the quarter-finals, where they lost to Flamingo on penalties.
Meanwhile, the father of one of the players competing in the Junior Beach Championship at the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival in Al Mirfa compared his son's excitement to that generated by the World Cup.
Mohammed Fadal Ibrahim, 13, played for Al Dhafra in their 2-1 win over Histink and his father said: "My son was waiting for the match in the morning in a state of suspense similar to the World Cup.
"He even asked me if the match will be broadcast on TV. It is good to provide such stimulating activities for a child at this early age, as this will help refine his talents and skills.
"I noticed this year a special focus on children's activities. We highly appreciate this step taken by the festival management, as our children love such activities, and enjoy the festival where they meet others, form new friendships and spend time on healthy and safe activities."
Hamad Abdullah al Rumaithi, 13, also played for Al Dhafra and his father said: "The festival has become a great social networking platform.
"In fact, I met a lot of people last year, and they became among the best friends of mine, and we are watching this year's activities together."
In the other match, Region Planning and Inhabitants Relations beat "Khatar" 2-1.
On the third day of the men's championship, Services and Security beat Western Region Police 3-2 on penalty kicks.
Armed Forces, last year's runners-up, won 2-1 against Huamer Sahra, while Al Ittihad secured a surprise 3-1 victory over Municipality of the Western Region, last year's champions.
