Stage set for Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup kick-off at Kite Beach

David Cooper - Writer 11:00 26/10/2018
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  • The eighth edition of the Huawei Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup kicks off on Tuesday, November 6 at its new home on Kite Beach, with eight of the world’s best nations going head-to-head.

    The event, organised by Dubai Sports Council, is sure to be keenly contested as hosts UAE will be looking to make it past the group stages for the first time since 2013, when they finished third for the second consecutive time following a thrilling 8-7 win over Switzerland.

    If they are to go all the way this time around in Dubai, Mohammad Abbas’ men will need to get the better of reigning champions Brazil, Egypt and newcomers Spain in Group A.

    The Whites have not had much joy since winning only one of their 12 matches in Dubai in the past five years, therefore a strong start against Egypt on the opening day will be crucial to their hopes.

    The Emiratis have met Egypt twice in the Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup – in 2017 and 2015 – and have lost both matches.

    The UAE will then take on Spain on the second day before closing the group stages against competition heavyweights Brazil, who have won the tournament in 2014, 2016 and 2017.

    In Group B, three-time winners Russia will take on 2017 World Cup runners-up Tahiti in their opening match on November 6, while Iran will face United States.

    Speaking ahead of the prestigious tournament, HE Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said: “We are really happy to have this competition landing again in Dubai.

    “Beach Soccer is tightly related to a healthy lifestyle, something Dubai and the Dubai Sports Council firmly believe in.

    “This competition has also become a national and international attraction, and this year we will have a new location on Kite Beach, by the sea. We hope that people love the new venue, and come to enjoy the spectacular matches we will be hosting.

    “We are looking forward to a great competition, and we wish the UAE national team the best of luck, as well.”

    Entrance to the Huawei Intercontinental Beach Soccer at Kite Beach is free, with the event running from November 6-10

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