Dubai: The UAE is upbeat ahead of facing formidable world champions Brazil and Portugal as they seek to better their record in the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup 2017, to be held from October 31-November 4.
Held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai Government and Dubai Sports Council (DSC), the annual tournament will move to a new venue at the Dubai Properties area in Business Bay.
The official draw ceremony was held at the DSC premises on Tuesday with the eight invited teams from across the globe being divided into two groups. Hosts UAE have been pitted alongside Brazil, Portugal and African champions Egypt, while Group B consists of former champions Iran, Mexico, Russia and Paraguay.
“It would be nice to take on Egypt in our first match,” UAE coach Mohammad Al Mazmi told media after the draw.
“While it is a dream for us to have such strong teams like Brazil and Portugal in our group, we would want to start off on a winning note against an opponent like Egypt,” he added.
The UAE had a fair run at the 2017 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup held in the Bahamas following a win, a draw and a loss. They began with a 3-2 win against Paraguay, followed this with a 2-2 draw against Panama and then lost 1-2 to Portugal and miss out on a rare place in the quarter-finals.
“Those results gave us a good sense of belief and confidence,” Al Mazmi admitted.
“We have not played competitively for the past three months, hence we need to be at our best against such top teams in our group. The UAE Football Association has been supportive all along and I am sure we will play a few practice matches against some tough teams and be prepared for such a prestigious competition,” he added.
The daily fixtures are scheduled to be made public on Wednesday following a meeting with host broadcaster Dubai Sports Channel. “This tournament was born in Dubai and we are proud because we can give our national team the opportunity to play against some of the best sides from across the world,” Saeed Hareb, General Secretary, DSC, said.
“Many people are now aware of the importance of beach soccer, and this year too we have a unique flavour of beach soccer styles from North and South America, Europe and Africa. There has been a constant evolution in this tournament from its first year to the seventh, and that gives us a sense of pride and satisfaction,” he added.
Joan Cusco, Fifa board member and Vice-President of Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSW) is confident the event will peak in popularity following its move to a new home this year.
After hosting the event at a specially-made pitch at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) for the past three years, organisers decided to shift the eight-team event to the Dubai Properties area of Business Bay. “This is an important move as it looks to be a venue for a longer period. We can make a good impression as it is close to the city,” Cusco said.
GROUPINGS
A: UAE; Egypt; Brazil; Portugal.
B: Mexico; Iran; Paraguay; Russia.
