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Khaleejtimes - China will be travelling to the
unknown when they make their second appearance in the ongoing Asian Zone
Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup qualifiers against the mysterious side in the
competition, Iran, as the Indians try their luck against hot favouries Japan
at Al Mamzar Beach this night. Kick off 8pm.
Brazilian coach Rodrigo Stockler said they were unlucky that China were
drawn against Iran and Bahrain.
"I don't know too much about Iran, but I believe they have a very good side
comprised of well-built players and led by a very good coach, Marco
Octavio," he said.
"The three sides are in with a chance to advance to the semifinals and for
this reason I think it's going to be very tough," he added. Defending
champions Bahrain started their campaign in 2006 under their Brazilian coach
Guga Zloccowick Silva, who realised he had a diamond in the rough, which he
carved brilliantly into the Asian champions and one of the sensations of the
Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup 2006, where they defeated the likes of Italy and
Nigeria to reach the quarterfinals.
Now Guga is back, ready to roll on the sands of Dubai, this time as the
tournament favourites.
A true marquee name in the beach soccer world, the Japanese made their name
when they reached the semifinals of the first Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup in
2005.
Although they were shocked by the Bahrainis in last year's Dubai final,
Japan is always one of the favourites in Asia, mainly after Brazilian top
striker Neném took over head coaching duties and debuted with a third place
finish in this year's Mundialito, in July — a performance that featured
victories over Austria, England and Switzerland. The 2007 edition will the
third in the history of the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup — all of which were
played in beach soccer's true birthplace, the famous Copacaban Beach in Rio
de Janeiro.
From 2008, the sport's premier showpiece will travel around the world. On
August 26, the host cities of both 2008 and 2009 editions will be announced
in Marseilles, and Dubai is one of the strong candidates to see top-notch
beach soccer action from around the world.
After the Beach Soccer World Championships reached its tenth edition, in
2004, Beach Soccer Worldwide associated with Fifa to create Fifa Beach
Soccer S.L., the company responsible for organising the Fifa Beach Soccer
World Cup.
Although the Brazilians had conquered nine out of the ten editions of the
previous World Championships, the sport showed its clear signs of
international development when Eric Cantona-led France captured their maiden
title in 2005.
Brazil brought the crown back in 2006 and right now stands at 51 unbeaten
matches.
Will anyone dare to prove them wrong?
Today's fixtures: China v Iran – Kick off 8pm followed by India v Japan.
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