The UAE have been drawn alongside Morocco, Portugal and reigning champions Iran in Group A for the Samsung Intercontinental Cup 2014.
Kicking off on September 29 in Dubai with the final scheduled for November 4, the Beach Soccer Cup will see the world's best eight teams battle it out for the title.
Completing the line-up in Group B will be Russia, the USA, Japan and Brazil.
Entering it's fourth edition, the UAE have proved their consistency in the three previous Intercontinental Cups, placing each time but falling short of reaching the final.
Iran took on a monumental challenge when they faced European powerhouse, Russia, in the final last year, but they responded by dethroning the kings. Another miracle run may still be in them.
Morocco have had a very productive beach soccer year as they hosted the BSWW Tour El Jadida and will want to stake their claim among previous champions at this years’ Cup.
Portugal is looking forward to hosting the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015 and this tournament will be a perfect place to showcase their skills. Group B, similar to Group A, is chock full of champions from all across the FIFA confederations.
Russia is a two-time champion of the Cup and is very familiar with winning and this years’ opponents, as they have played most of them en route to one of their many recent titles. The USA has been all over the globe this season, gaining valuable experience at renowned events and they are ready to make a deep run in Dubai.
Japan is always a tour-de-force in Asia and now they bring their talents to the UAE to show everyone how dangerous they can be. One of the most recognizable beach soccer teams on the planet is Brazil and they will want nothing more than to show everyone that their rich history and playing style make them the best team.
Attendees of the draw included Joan Cusco, Beach Soccer Worldwide Vice-President and FIFA Beach Soccer Committee Member, Alex Soriano, Intercontinental Cup Event, Manager, Ali Omar Al Balooshi, Dubai Sports Council Tournament Director, and Dr. Ahmad Al Sharif, General Secretary of the Dubai Sports Council. The dignitaries carried out and oversaw the draw.
Beachsoccer.com will have all the coverage and news of the matches and the overall event as well, so stay connected and we will see you on November 4th.
