The seventh edition of the Huawei Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup kicks off on Tuesday in its new home, Marasi Business Bay, 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 seek to build on their promising 2017 season, which saw them finish second in Asian qualifying before bowing out of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup at the group stage despite picking up two wins.
If they are to go all the way this time around in Dubai, Mohamed Al Maazmi’s men will need to get the better of the world’s top two nations in the form of holders Brazil and European heavyweights Portugal.
Iran, as the world’s third-ranked side, will be eager to maintain their recent record in this competition under new coach Marco Octavio, having finished fourth, third and runners-up consecutively in the last three years. Three-time winners Russia, fresh off the back of their European triumph, welcome back some key personnel from injury for their bid to maintain what is a proud Intercontinental Cup history, with Mexico also boasting momentum. El Tri warmed up for their trip to Dubai with success on home sand at the Visit Puerto Vallarta Cup nine days ago with FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017 participants Paraguay completing the eight nations. Entrance to the Huawei Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup at Marasi Business Bay is free, with the event running from October 31 to November 4.#BeachSoccer is well and truly back in Dubai! 😍
The #HuaweiIntercontinentalCup is all set to go: https://t.co/gVlsbI70o3 #HuaweiMate10 pic.twitter.com/6y4OhqWpjO — BeachSoccerWorldwide (@BeachSoccer_WW) October 30, 2017