The UAE booked their place in the semi-finals of the Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup after a dramatic win over Japan in a penalty shootout at the Kite Beach in Dubai on Thursday.
Japan led 1-0 in a closely marked game until a bizarre own goal by Matsuda Kosuke just 13 seconds from the end gave the UAE a lifeline.
Japan goalkeeper Ginoza Tomoya threw the ball to Kosuke but the midfielder somehow lobbed it back into his own net that left his teammates and technical staff bewildered.
The UAE played out the extra time before coming out on top in the shootout 2-1.
Oba Takaaki gave the Asian champions an early lead in the third period and when it looked like they had done enough to take their place in the last four, the own goal debacle happened.
UAE goalkeeper Mohammed Al Jasmi was the hero on the night after saving two penalties.
Japan took the lead from the first spot kick as Abbas Ali’s effort went wide. Al Jasmi saved the next two while Kamal Ali and Waleed Beshr were on target to send the home fans into celebration.
“We made a few mistakes in the first few games but we managed to rectify it in this match,” Al Jasmi said.
“We are glad that we could make our fans happy. We hope that they come again in big force and support us tomorrow in the semi-finals. We are now ready to face any team. Our target is to win the title.”
The UAE avenged their defeat to Japan in the Asian Beach Cup final in Thailand in March, which they lost in a shootout after a 2-2 deadlock.
“It was our turn and it was so sweet,” the UAE manager Mohamed Abbas Al Maazmi said.
“We came into this match after two close games. We lost the opener to Spain in a shootout and won against Italy in extra time. To win in a shootout over Japan was an amazing result for us.
“Credit goes to the guys who have shown great physical and mental strength in all three games going into extra time. Our boys are physically good and strong.
“It was another strong game against a team like Japan. But now, we have to quickly forget this match and focus on tomorrow’s game.”
Earlier, Italy ended their two-game losing streak by defeating Spain 8-7.
Spain had already qualified for the next round and Italy were already out of the Intercontinental Cup.
Meanwhile, defending champions Iran edged out three-time winners of the Intercontinental Cup Russia 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 deadlock in extra time to take top spot in Group B.
In the other game in the same group, Egypt outclassed winless Mexico 4-1 to finish third.
In the semi-finals on Friday, Group B leaders Iran meet UAE and Russian play Group A leaders Spain.
Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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China and the UAE agree comprehensive strategic partnership
China and the UAE forged even closer links between the two countries during the landmark state visit after finalising a ten-point agreement on a range of issues, from international affairs to the economy and trade and renewable energy.
1. Politics: The two countries agreed to support each other on issues of security and to work together on regional and international challenges. The nations also confirmed that the number of high-level state visits between China and the UAE will increase.
2. Economy: The UAE offers its full support to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will combine a land 'economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" that will link China with the Arabian Gulf as well as Southeast, South and Central China, North Africa and, eventually, Europe.
3. Business and innovation: The two nations are committed to exploring new partnerships in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, the aviation and transport industries and have vowed to build economic co-operation through the UAE-China Business Committee.
4. Education, science and technology: The Partnership Programme between Arab countries in Science and Technology will encourage young Emirati scientists to conduct research in China, while the nations will work together on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy and space projects.
5. Renewable energy and water: The two countries will partner to develop renewable energy schemes and work to reduce climate change. The nations have also reiterated their support for the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency.
6. Oil and gas: The UAE and China will work in partnership in the crude oil trade and the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources.
7. Military and law enforcement and security fields: Joint training will take place between the Chinese and UAE armed forces, while the two nations will step up efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.
8. Culture and humanitarian issues: Joint cultural projects will be developed and partnerships will be cultivated on the preservation of heritage, contemporary art and tourism.
9. Movement between countries: China and the UAE made clear their intent to encourage travel between the countries through a wide-ranging visa waiver agreement.
10. Implementing the strategic partnership: The Intergovernmental Co-operation Committee, established last year, will be used to ensure the objectives of the partnership are implemented.
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Founders: Sebastian Stefan, Sebastian Morar and Claudia Pacurar
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
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