| | |  Americas & Beyond | July 2008 
Keepers Star as Argentina Advance
 FIFA.com
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Click HERE for Mexico's matchday results
Four matches produced just 23 goals, a statistic indebted to the performances of goalkeepers. One thing Matchday 4 was not short on, however, was entertainment, and at the close of play, Argentina were celebrating their place in the quarter-finals, which Brazil, Spain and Russia took a step towards, while Cameroon bowed out of the competition. FIFA.com brings you up to date.
The result
Argentina 5-2 United Arab Emirates
Goals - Santiago Hilaire, Federico Hilaire (2), Cesar Leguizamon (2) for Argentina; Rami Al Mesaabi and Ibrahim Albalooshi for United Arab Emirates
It was a battle for Group C supremacy and one which, coupled with the section's other result, sent Argentina through to the quarter-finals. Not that their victory was straightforward. The UAE registered more shots on target than their opponents, but met a true nemesis in goalkeeper Marcelo Salgueiro. At the other end, Federico Hilaire and Cesar Leguizamon scored doubles apiece to lead the Albiceleste to a win that means Marcelo Mendes' side have to win their third outing to advance.
The other games
Following defeat the first time out, both Cameroon and Russia desperately needed victory. In truth, there was only one side that looked like achieving it, and their 4-0 success ensured Russia will reach the last eight if they beat United Arab Emirates in their final group game. With Brazil expected to finish top of Group D, much rested on the battle between Spain and Mexico. It was a tight affair, one led by the latter until goalkeeper Roberto Valeiro launched the ball forward, and Amarelle spun his marker with a delightful flick before driving the ball home. The goal relaxed Joaquin's side and they found a winner through Antonio. Finally, Brazil did what was expected of them and overwhelmed Japan 8-1, thrilling the crowd with their selection of party pieces along the way.
The stat
2 - The number of shutouts in FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup matches before Russia's Andrey Bukhlitskiy kept a clean sheet against Cameroon.
The player
Benjamin (BRA)
Scorer of one, creator of others and producer of nutmegs, back-heels, step-overs and flicks, Benjamin delivered an exhilarating display to help Brazil move on to six points.
What they said
"We lacked experience and concentration, which are basically Spain's main skills. It's even more of a pity because we managed to score the first goal. Now we'll try our best against Brazil. None of us want to leave after the first round," Gustavo Rosales, Mexico.
All the results
Spain 2-1 Mexico
Argentina 5-2 United Arab Emirates
Cameroon 0-4 Russia
Japan 1-8 Brazil
 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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