Dubai: Brazil and Portugal were joined by former two-time champions Russia in the semi-finals of the Fourth Samsung Beach Soccer Inter-Continental Cup at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) late on Wednesday.
Multiple world champions Brazil - who are yet to win the trophy in the three years of this competition - were joined by former two-time champions Russia from Group A.
Whereas in Group B, Portugal secured their second win in as many days to book their ticket leaving defending champions Iran and Morocco – both with one win each - to battle for the lone spot of advancing to the last four stages after Thursday’s last round of group matches.
On Wednesday, Portugal were outright 6-4 winners over gutsy Morocco, while Brazil rode on Bruno da Silva Xavier’s five goals for a hard-fought 7-4 win to hand Japan their second defeat in as many days.
Winners here in 2011 and 2012, Russia came up with a clinical display to power their way to a 5-1 win over the USA before Iran rode on a wonder strike from skipper Ali Naderi in the final period to keep their hopes alive of advancing to the last four with a narrow 2-1 win over hosts UAE.
On the opening day, Brazil had recorded a 10-3 drubbing against the USA, while Portugal had weathered off defending champions Iran 4-2. But on the second day, things got difficult for both before they walked off with maximum points.
“It’s great to see the team playing together with absolutely no pressure on them. They are enjoying being on the pitch and this is the right sort of attitude to get the best of the players,” Portugal coach Mario Narsico told media.
“I’ve told them to go out and enjoy their football. We have been together for a long time now and I expect them to deliver when it comes to technique,” he added.
Thursday will be the third and final day for preliminary round matches with Brazil and Russia contesting to see who ends at the top of Group A. In Group B, the encounter between defending champions Iran and Morocco will determine the second team advancing to the semi-finals, while the UAE, Japan and USA will play for pride.
