FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup: UAE 2024 [R]

The groups:
Group A: UAE, Egypt, USA, Italy
Group B: Spain, Iran, Tahiti, Argentina
Group C: Senegal, Belarus, Tahiti, Argentina
Group D: Brazil, Oman, Portugal, Mexico

Interesting that 2 semifinalists from last time: Russia + Switzerland are not even there this time for different reasons obviously. While Senegal and Japan, who played in the other semifinal, are both in the same group this time. Going this weekend, but probably won't make the final unfortunately as we're still on the Friday / Saturday weekend schedule.

 

I don't follow beach soccer closely, but I think I read that the UAE advanced for the first time from its group by beating the US. I also know Iran advanced after beating Argentina 6:3. Tahiti (which seem to be a serious side in this sport) also advanced beating Spain. For Spain and Argentina to be left behind Iran and Tahiti clearly shows the pecking order in beach soccer isn't similar to football!

 

Group A:
1- Italy 2- UAE (3- Egypt 4- USA)
Group B:
1- Iran 2- Tahiti (3- Argentina 4- Spain)
Group C
1- Belarus 2- Japan (3- Senegal 4- Colombia)
Group D
1- Brazil 2- Portugal (3- Oman 4- Mexico)

QFs:
Brazil v Japan
Belarus v Portugal
Iran v UAE
Italy v Tahiti

 

According to the TV commentator for the UAE-USA game, four of the UAE players play abroad. Not sure where that info came from because it's not in the official squad list, but if true, it's an interesting contrast from their 11-a-side team.

The US team was missing its top goalscorer due to injury, and it showed.

Also notably, all the pros on the US team play for indoor soccer clubs and don't play beach soccer regularly. I think that might be a pattern throughout CONCACAF.

 

Thought I saw somebody there with a pink Inter Miami limited edition "Leagues Cup Winner" jersey on there but was probably someone else

Anyway some highlights from the first day....



Today would be probably the best day to go, 4 meaningful quarterfinal matches so probably the best "bang for buck" day at least....

 

Semifinals will pit:
Brazil v Iran
Belarus v Italy

 

Yep and after Belarus shocked Portugal we're just down to one former champion and finalist, Brazil, so a good chance of a debut winner. Italy have been to the final before, and Iran to the semis but this is uncharted territory for Belarus... anyway, 2nd video of last weekend's trip to Dubai. Iran's game is just after the 6th minute or something like that...

 

I watched the part from minute 6 (Iran-Arg) and looked like a fun atmosphere for the Iranian fans.

Regarding the semifinals, Brazil would be obviously favored against Iran but I read some interesting history about Brazil's coach, Marco Octovio. He had coached Iran for some time, including several older veterans on this squad as well our current coach Ali Naderi. Octovio is well liked and credited by Iran's beach soccer community for laying the foundations for Iran's current squad. Interestingly, however, one of Iran's rare wins against Brazil was against an Octovio led Brazil team in the last Intercontinental Cup when Iran beat Brazil 2:1 in the final to lift the beach soccer equivalent of the Confederations Cup title. (Iran is a powerhouse in the latter tournament with 4 titles -- the most tied with Russia and one more than Brazil.)

Speaking of Russia, they aren't playing in this World Cup but Belarus is doing a fine job filling the void. In fact, Belarus and Brazil may be regarded as favorites to make the final. And I wouldn't put it past Belarus to win the title.

 

One thing I like about beach soccer is that I can watch Iran lose and not feel depressed all week. And good thing too, since I am still not over Iran's Asian Cup football loss to Qatar. That one really hurt.

Congratulations to Brazil but frankly I wasn't impressed by them. I thought Iran's players just chocked once they were up 2:0 and became almost goofy afterwards, letting Brazil crawl-back. Brazil's 2nd goal was nice but overall I expected better from them and wouldn't have minded if Iran had lost to a more impressive side.

 

Iran destroyed Belarus with 6 goals and got bronze too bad we were the best team and deserved to be champs , Brazil will easily destroy Italy.

 

As mentioned, Iran won the consolation match against Belarus 6:1. Not much consolation in my eyes though since after seeing Iran against Brazil, I feel Iran was overall the best team in the tournament. But I guess repeating our best previous finish (2017) and placing 3rd shouldn't be much of a disappointment either.