The pre-tournament favourites are off the mark at the Samsung Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup.
Russia and Brazil registered double figures in their respective wins over Egypt and UAE as the Samsung Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup got underway in Dubai on Tuesday.
The pair – the highest ranked of the eight sides – will be pre-tournament favourites for many and the second and third best teams in the world made no mistake on opening day.
Former champions Brazil laid down the gauntlet with a ruthless 11-1 dismantling of hosts UAE in the second game of the day.
Ahmed Beshr cancelled out Rodrigo’s opener but things quickly went south for the home side afterwards as the recently-crowned Supercopa da Nacoes champions hit their stride – Catarino and Mauricinho among the chief protagonists.
Defending champions Russia then got their defence off the mark with a 10-6 win against a spirited Egypt side.
Having gone in at the break only 3-2 down, Egypt shipped four goals in a row as Makarov and Nikonorov both completed braces.
And, while the likes of Hassane and Ali provided fight for the Egyptians, the world’s number two side were not thrown off course, hanging tough to ensure maximum points in Group B.
Traditional Samsung Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup contenders Iran got off to a strong start in Dubai as they eaed past USA 6-2.
A double from USA skipper Perera kept the Americans in touching distance after the opening period at 3-2 down but Iran nudged further in front thanks to Ahmadzadeh’s strike seconds before the final frame.
And further goals late on from Kiani and Nazem dampened US hopes, ensuring Iran – top-four finishers at each of the last three editions – end the day level on points with Russia in Group B.
The opening match of the tournament saw last year’s Samsung Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup runners-up Tahiti pick up a 5-4 win over Poland.
Poland were the surprise winners of European FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualification in September and fought back from a goal down to lead 2-1 after 12 minutes thanks to Ziober’s double.
But the second and third frames largely belonged to Tahiti, who claimed the first points of Group A thanks largely to braces from Bennett and Taiarui.
Tuesday results
Tahiti 5-4 Poland
UAE 1-11 Brazil
USA 2-6 Iran
Russia 10-6 Egypt
Wednesday fixtures (kick-offs in local time)
UAE v Tahiti (16.15)
Brazil v Poland (17.30)
Egypt v Iran (18.45)
Russia v USA (20.00)
