Sport | Football
UAE win is satisfying and suitable, Mendes says
Outfit fought back from arrears to defeat former world champions France in build-up to Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup
- By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:00 November 13, 2009
Dubai: UAE coach Marcelo Mendes was brimming with confidence following a "satisfying and suitable" build-up to next week's 2009 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup.
"Four wins from four matches is a good build-up for any team. It is both satisfying and suitable in our plan of things as we continue our build-up to the World Cup," Mendes said after the UAE fought back from arrears to a 4-2 win against former world champions France.
The match between the UAE and France was part of the final day of the Asian qualifiers held at the Umm Suqueim beach in Jumeirah. Japan qualified to the World Cup for a record fourth time, while Bahrain will be making their second appearance.
This was the fourth practice match for the hosts following earlier games against Bahrain, Japan and Oman.
The UAE took the early lead when hat-trick hero Ali Hassan Al Baloushi struck in the first minute.
France fought well and was rewarded when Noel Sciortino equalised. They had to go clear with seven minutes remaining in the second period, but Abdul Gani Mahraoui shot out from the spot.
However, he made amends three minutes on when he managed to slip one past Abbas Mousa Ali Hussain on the UAE goal. But Ali Hussain got his second and completed a fine hat-trick to give the UAE the lead 3-2.
Midway through the final period, Qambar Mohammad's shot past a sprawled Samir Belamri on the French goal.
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