The quarter-final line-up will be confirmed on Tuesday as the group stage draws to a close.
Portugal and Tahiti both under pressure to win
Though Brazil have maximum points, they are not yet sure of qualification
All eight teams in Groups C and D can still go through
The final day of the group phase at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 could not be more exciting, with all eight teams in Groups C and D still in with a chance of advancing to the quarter-finals.
Among them are Portugal and Tahiti, the respective champions and runners-up two years ago, who both go into their final games needing wins to maximise their chances of progressing.
The games
Group C: Tahiti-Poland | Brazil-Japan
Group D: Paraguay-Panama | UAE-Portugal
What you need to know
– A victory in normal time will take Portugal through, no matter what happens in the other match in their section. Madjer and Co will not have it easy, however, against a UAE side that heads Group D and has showed no little skill and character in getting there.
– Having attracted everyone’s attention with their sensational defeat of the defending champions, Paraguay will head into their game against Panama as firm favourites. The Central Americans have improved as the tournament has gone on, however, and still have a chance of progressing, which will make them dangerous opponents.
– Tahiti know that if they are to maintain their hopes of reaching the final again, then they will most likely need to defeat an awkward Poland side. As for group opponents Brazil, they still have work to do against Japan, despite winning their opening two matches. The Brazilians and Japanese will have the advantage of knowing exactly what they need to do when they step out on to the sand.
