Mohamed Bashir knows how debutants Belarus will be feeling ahead of their Beach Soccer World Cup debut today against the UAE – because the Emirates manager experienced the same thing as a player 12 years ago.
In 2007, Bashir was the country's star wing as the UAE made its first appearance on the world stage, facing off against France in Brazil. On Copacabana Beach, and with a large crowd having gathered to see the then-European champions, Bashir felt "pride, joy, and a little bit of nerves" when Ishy Bilady rang out and the UAE flag fluttered in the wind.
He embraced the joy and hid the nerves, smashing a hat-trick as the Whites finished on the losing side in a 6-5 thriller.
"I remember the emotions," Bashir told The National yesterday on the sidelines of the Los Pynandi World Cup Stadium in Asuncion, Paraguay.
“We were nervous of course, but it is a special thing to represent your country so we tried to enjoy it too. France were the best team in Europe, but that just motivated us even more because we knew if we lost nobody would blame us.
"We knew nobody expected much from us, but that helped us relax. We played without fear and came within a couple of minutes of getting a great result.”
Further defeats to Argentina and Nigeria ensured the 2007 campaign did not extend into the second week of play and while today’s match marks the start of the country’s sixth World Cup campaign, progression through the group phase continues to prove elusive.
They are, however, getting closer: At the 2017 iteration in the Bahamas, only an extra-time defeat to Portugal in the final group game sent them home.
“We were unlucky two years ago,” said Bader Hareb, head of the Emirati delegation, as Bashir and Brazilian assistant Bruno Malias took the 12-man UAE squad through a series of warm-up drills. “We have enough experience, now it is about getting results.
“We are aiming to go deep into this tournament, not only into the second round, but much further. The players have been together for some time now, we believe in this team very much, and are ready to make history.”
Belarus may be appearing for the first time at this level, but they will prove a difficult opponent when action gets under way tonight at 7.25pm local time (2.25am UAE).
A tall and muscular squad, the majority of the players are employed in Russia and during the European qualification tournament in Moscow, they finished third behind only Italy and the hosts.
UAE, who finished second in Asian qualifying after losing to Japan in the final on penalties, will also face African champions Senegal and two-time world champions Russia.
“It is a difficult group, but also a balanced group,” Hareb added.“There are no easy games at a World Cup, so any of the four teams can progress, but we believe.
"We beat Russia earlier this month at the Intercontinental Cup in Dubai so while it doesn’t mean we will get arrogant, it does give the players confidence that we can come here and do better than we have ever done before.”
Bashir also led the Whites in 2017 and has elected to change only three players from the squad that came so close to progressing.
Goalkeeper Humaid Jamal, midfielder Rami Al Mesaabi and forward Mohamed Alzaabi are replaced by Mohamed Hamza, Ahmed Malahi and Hesham Muntaser respectively.
“The players have all played together for years,” said Bashir. “They know each other 100 percent. It’s almost telepathic now when you watch them. For me, Belarus will be our most important game and we will approach it as if it is a knock-out match.
"We are confident we can progress and show the world how far we have come since 2007. I am looking forward to it.”
Such is the confidence in the UAE camp, Hareb revealed the team’s flight back to UAE is booked only for December 2 – the day after the World Cup final. “Of course, we can change it,’ he said. “But I hope we won’t have to.”
Tough task for Oman
Oman return to the world stage today after being absent in the Bahamas two years ago. They could hardly have been handed a more difficult draw, being grouped together with two of the world’s top three sides in Brazil and Portugal, as well as African runners-up Nigeria.
The Gulf side open their campaign against the reigning champions – and world No1 – Brazil at 9pm local time (4am UAE).
