UAE out to ‘create a major upset’ in Beach Soccer Cup opener against Brazil

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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BOSH!'s pantry essentials

Nutritional yeast

This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.

Seeds

"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."

Umami flavours

"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".

Onions and garlic

"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."

Your grain of choice

Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."

Walls

Louis Tomlinson

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