Reigning champions Brazil extended their unbeaten run to an impressive 43 games as the UAE suffered a narrow defeat to 2001 world champions Portugal on the opening day of the Huawei Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup Dubai at Masari Business Bay Tuesday.
Rodrigo and Datinha both struck hat-tricks for the Samba boys at the tournament’s new venue as the World Cup winners stormed to a comprehensive 11-3 win over Egypt, with a masterful display from two-goal captain Bruno Xavier settling any initial Brazil nerves.
The 2016 MVP Xavier told Sport360: “It is always tough as one doesn’t know what exactly to expect of the other team.
“I think my team was nervous as well and that showed in our inability to score from easy chances that came our way.
“We have to do what we need to do and win the trophy at the end of the week. For us, the next match is the most important thing and to keep on winning.”
The Brazilians looked dominant throughout the contest, despite falling behind in the opening minute as Egypt’s Elhusseini Rashed Aly tucked away from close range.
But the men in yellow fought back and took control with Datinha (2), Xavier and Ze Lucas adding goals to put them into a commanding 4-1 lead.
The final frame saw Brazil strike twice in quick succession, with Xavier on target before a neat finish from Rodrigo left Egypt reeling.
Rodrigo would then turn provider for Datinha to complete his treble before getting himself on the scoresheet for the second time with a fiercely struck free-kick that beat the Egyptian stopper down low.
Another Rodrigo strike extended the score to 9-3 and as the holders really got into their rhythm, with Mauricinho and Ze Lucas completing the rout inside the final minute.
Despite the commanding win over the Pharaohs, Xavier does not expect his side to stroll to victory in Dubai – where they also won in 2014.
“Every match is like a final for us. There are going to no easy matches here as only the best come to Dubai. Every match is like a final for us,” he added.
Meanwhile, European champions Russia kicked off their bid for a fourth title with an impressive 6-2 win against Mexico.
The Mexicans arrived in Dubai off the back of victory at the Visit Puerto Vallarta Cup but came unstuck against a confident Russia outfit, who claimed early momentum in Group B.
Nikolai Kryshanov edged Russia in front with a close-range finish early on before Yury Krashenninikov doubled their advantage shortly after.
Russia duly upped the tempo and goals from Boris Nikonorov (2), Alexey Pavlenko and Krill Romanov sealed a much-deserved victory.
Marco Octavio’s latest reign in charge of Asia’s highest ranked nation began with a hard-fought 5-2 win for Iran against Paraguay.
Last year’s runners-up join Russia on three points after day one as late goals from Moslem Mesigar and Mohammad Ahmadzadeh helped seal the points against a stubborn Paraguay team coached by former UAE boss Guga.
Deja vu: For UAE.
UAE came within a whisker of upsetting former world champions Portugal as the hosts fell to a 5-4 defeat.
Portugal ended the UAE’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup campaign with a dramatic 2-1 win back in May and it must have felt like deja vu for Mohamed Al Mazmi’s men, who levelled at 4-4 with just over two minutes left on the clock.
But former Al Ahli man Madjer and four-goal Jordan Santos struck late to deny the hosts on coach Al Mazmi’s birthday.
Portugal, targeting their first Dubai title, began brightly and led through Leo Martins 20 seconds in.
Mario Narciso’s side were largely in control for much of the first frame, with the UAE limited to long-range strikes and set-pieces, and the hosts fell further behind when Jordan’s free-kick beat Mohamed Aljasmi and crept over the line.
Waleed Beshr got UAE on the board with 18 seconds left of the opening period while Portugal were dealt another blow when Ali Karim equalised after the break from a free-kick following Elinton Andrade’s dismissal for handling outside the area.
The leveller set up a keenly contested second frame but another piece of quality from Jordan restored Portugal’s lead and the in-form midfielder was the key man for his side once more when he gave them a two-goal cushion shortly after the restart.
However, Hasham Almuntaser’s cooly taken finish into the bottom corner kept UAE hopes alive and buoyed home fans in the stadium at Marasi Business Bay.
And the forward was on target again as he beat Tiago Petrony low to his right and tucked in the equaliser to set up a thrilling finale.
However, Portugal’s quality eventually prevailed as captain Madjer saw his free-kick squirm underneath Mohamed Hamza in the UAE goal before the unstoppable Jordan made the points certain with just two seconds left.
TUESDAY’S RESULTS
16:15 – Egypt 3-11 Brazil
17:30 – Portugal 6-4 UAE
18:45 – Russia 6-2 Mexico
20:00 – Iran 5-2 Paraguay
