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 Americas & Beyond | May 2008 
Debutants Go Down Fighting
 Beach Soccer Worldwide
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In the opening game of this year’s Dubai showdown, we’ve seen one of the favorites for continental glory, display their skills against a struggling Philippines side. Japan beat Philippines 8-2 and can look ahead to their next encounter in group B against usual suspects Iran.
The Iraqi coach of the Philippines Ahmede Athas was smiling after the game, and that obviously needed some explaining. “I can’t say I’m disappointed, the last time we’ve played Japan we lost 16-0. I’m glad we were able to score some nice goals which motivates us to take on the next game tomorrow against Iran. Japan is a tough team to play against. They kept the pace high and my players had some difficulties following that up.
Powerhouse and defending champion UAE started a little nervous to their outset of the tournament and were soon 1-0 down against a physical Uzbekistan team. Marcelo Mendes’ shell shocked troops soon countered Uzbekistan’s unexpected lead and demonstrated in front of their home crowd what they are capable of. Final result 2-6, the UAE take three points into day two of the Dubai showpiece.
“We started a little nervous to our first game. Knowing very little about our opponents, we didn’t know what to expect. I have to admit, we were a little surprised, but we soon got back in the game and found our own rhythm back in the second period. Tomorrow we get the chance to see China play, who are coached by Rodrigo Stockler who I used to coach myself. Let’s hope he didn’t pay attention in class”, concluded U.A.E. coach Marcelo Mendes
Results and match schedule (GMT+3)
May 6 (Tuesday) – Matches
Philippines 2 x 8 Japan
Uzbekistan 2 x 6 UAE
May 7 (Wednesday) – Matches
20:00 Iran x Philippines
Followed by China x Uzbekistan
May 8 (Thursday) – Matches
20:00 Japan x Iran
Followed by UAE x China
May 9 (Friday) – Semi final Matches *
20:00 - Match 7 (Semi-final 1): 1st Group B X. 2nd Group A
Followed by - Match 8 (Semi-final 2): 1st Group A X 2nd Group B
 Click HERE for the complete matchday report (PDF)
 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2008
Follow the competition from Durban, to Puerto Vallarta, Buenos Aires, Dubai, and Benidorm on the road leading up to the final championship matches in Marseille, France, the host country for the 2008 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. |
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