DUBAI // The UAE have set their sights on reaching the last four of the Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup after failing to make it beyond the group stages the past two years.
The UAE had managed to reach the semi-finals in the first three editions of the tournament, and they defeated Nigeria and Switzerland for third place in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
The Emirates finished their 2014 campaign, however, without a single point after losing all three matches.
They improved on that showing last year, defeating Argentina and eventual champions Russia in their group matches, but defeat to lowly Egypt in their opening match of the tournament cost them a place in the semi-finals.
Having spent the past month preparing for the tournament, the hosts are hoping for a positive result against 2014 champions Brazil in their opening match today as victory against the South American powerhouses could be crucial to their chances of progressing from a group that also includes 2015 runners-up Tahiti as well as Poland.
“Having a team like Brazil in your group has both advantages and disadvantages,” said Gustavo Henrique, UAE’s Brazilian manager. “But I am glad we are playing them on the first day because it is always better to face a strong opponent like Brazil early in the tournament. Also, the first match is usually the toughest for most teams.
“But we are playing at home, in front of our fans and we hope we can create a major upset in our opening match.”
Henrique’s optimism stems from the UAE’s two wins in the lead up to the tournament. They edged defending Intercontinental Cup champions Russia in their first practice match and then beat Hungary in the second.
He was far from pleased with his players’ performance in the match against Hungary. “The important thing is we have finished our preparations on a winning note and that should give the team a lot of confidence heading into the tournament, especially the win over Russia,” he said.
“It will be make or break for us from the start, but I am confident this team will respond to the challenge. As a team we have set our goals and I am confident we can fulfil these goals. Our first goal is to reach the semis, and from there anything can happen.”
What: The Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup
When: November 1-5.
Schedule for the Group Stages:
November 1
16:15: Tahiti vs Poland (Group A)
17:30: UAE vs Brazil (Group A)
18:45: USA vs Iran (Group B)
20:00: Russia vs Egypt (Group B)
November 2
16:15: UAE vs Tahiti
17:30: Brazil vs Poland
18:45: Egypt vs Iran
20:00: Russia vs USA
November 3
16:15: USA vs Egypt
17:30: Poland vs UAE
18:45: Tahiti vs Brazil
20:00: Iran vs Russia
Where: Dubai Marine International Club
Tickets: Free entry for fans
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The Details
Article 15
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18
This is how many recognised sects Lebanon is home to, along with about four million citizens
450,000
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1.5 million
There are just under 1 million Syrian refugees registered with the UN, although the government puts the figure upwards of 1.5m
73
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