Dubai: Hosts UAE were placed in Group A with defending champions Iran, Morocco and Portugal in Monday’s draw for the fourth Samsung Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup, which will be held at Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) from November 4-8.
In Group B, two-time champions and last year’s losing finalists Russia will take on the USA, Japan and Brazil.
Since the event’s inception in 2011, Russia have beaten Brazil 5-4 and 7-4 in the final to dominate the format, but they were upset 4-3 by Iran last year.
The UAE finished fourth in 2011 and followed that up with two third-place finishes in the past two stagings, but they will now be looking to make the final despite stiff opposition this year.
Aside from Iran and Russia, who will both be looking to reclaim their title this year, the UAE should also watch out for Portugal, who will be looking to give a good account of themselves ahead of their Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup hosting next year.
Attendees at the draw included Beach Soccer Worldwide vice-president Joan Cusco, Fifa Beach Soccer Committee Member Alex Soriano, Intercontinental Cup event manager Ali Omar Al Balooshi and Dubai Sports Council general secretary Ahmad Al Sharif, along with former Spain and Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado. For more information visit Beachsoccer.com.
