Uruguay ends UAE hopes

In what turned out to be a must win game for both teams in order to advance to the knockout stages which begin tomorrow, Mendes's side were handed a beach soccer lesson by the South Americans.

Mendes whose contract with the UAE FA ends next month had said the team's objective was to reach the second stage for the first time in their history. "Now we have to think about the future," said a teary eyed Mendes. "We still have a very good group. Today we tried our best but unfortunately we didn't win. This is beach soccer. They played better than us."

On his own future, Mendes said: "I need to see after this result what our federation and Dubai Sports Council think about this. Of course if they want to continue the work, I'll be happy to. I'm here and I like this country."

UAE's inspirational captain Bakhit Sa'ad confirmed the match was in all probability his last for the team but hopes the FA continue the development of the sport with Mendes at the helm. "I would like Marcelo to continue and hope the administration leave him to create another team," said the veteran.

"The other problem is we are only playing today for the love of our flag without any real support. We need some kind of support to continue," he added.

Iraq add to woes

The UAE's bad football day got worse when the national side lost to Iraq by a solitary goal in the UAE International Cup at Al Ain last night. Mahdi Kareem struck the 20th‑minute winner.