Russia edge out UAE in beach soccer

Dubai: The UAE missed out on top spot in their group when Russia scored a late winner in a 3-2 win at the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup here on Thursday night.

The hosts led world champions Russia 2-1 during the second half of the contest at Dubai Festival City, but a freak own goal and Egor Eremeev’s header from a corner left them empty-handed and facing the prospect of a semi-final against Brazil on Friday night. Russia and Nigeria were due to meet in the other last-four clash.

Yury Gorchinskiy opened the scoring for Russia early in Thursday’s game and it wasn’t until after half-time that newcomer Hassan Ali equalised for the UAE.

Kamal Ali Sulaiman headed home a Humaid Jamal cross to give the hosts a shock lead, but Sulaiman then scored an own goal to level the scores and Eremeev’s header ensured Russia maintained their perfect record in the competition.