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Americas & Beyond | May 2008
Iran Shows Strength; China by an Inch Beach Soccer Worldwide go to original
Iran had their hands full with Ahmede Athab’s boys, who were very eager to show the crowd that Beach Soccer is growing in their country. The Philippines can say that their debut at a Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifier has been a success. The newcomers showed courage and were clearly enjoying their first ever experience at the highest Beach Soccer level. Iran took an early lead which they never gave away and demonstrated they’re ready for game against powerhouse Japan.
I “This was our first game of the season, so I can’t be unhappy with this result, but at the same time I realise that tomorrow’s game against Japan will be a whole different story. Qualification is the very least of my side’s desires and I think my players showed the right spirit to do so”, explained Iran coach Falthzadeh.
China is still in the running for Marseille as they beat the former Sovjets 4-3 in the most nerve-wracking game of the Dubai showdown so far. Rodrigo Stockler’s boys confirmed their bosses’ confident outings from before the start of the competition. They surprised the crowd with fast and physical Beach Soccer, a style very similar to the Uzbekistan way of playing. Unfortunately for this year’s second newcomer, the Dubai story ends here, and they will have to wait until next year to get an inch closer to continental glory.
“We knew it was very important to win against Uzbekistan if we still want to make a shot for World Cup qualification. We take three points into the second matchday, which is exactly as much as the hosts and defending champions U.A.E, who will be our opponents tomorrow. Marcelo Mendes’ team is strong and has a lot of experience at the highest Beach Soccer level, but I know my country fellowman very well as I used to have him as coach myself. We won’t be handing out any gifts”, said a smiling Rodrigo Stockler.
The four teams that are still in the running four Marseille will face each other tomorrow on day three of the Dubai showpiece. These same four teams are also automatically qualified for Friday’s semi-finals as the Philippines and Uzbekistan have no more games left to play.
Results and match schedule (GMT +3)
May 6 (Tuesday) – Matches 20:00 Philippines 2 x 8 Japan Followed by Uzbekistan 2 x 6 UAE
May 7 (Wednesday) – Matches 20:00 Iran 5 x 2 Philippines Followed by China 4 x 3 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
May 10 (Saturday) – Play-off for 3rd place and Final * 20:00 - Match 9 (3rd / 4th) Loser M7 X Loser M8 Followed by - Match 10 Final Winner M7 X Winner M8 Followed by - Awards Ceremony
* Times and order of the games can altered according to the TV requirements.
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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