August 20 – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) kicked off the 2021 Beach World Cup in Russia with narrow 4-3 win against two-time finalists Tahiti in the tournament’s opening match.
The victory for the Emirate was something of a surprise. The UAE have never reached the knockout stages of the competition and they will face Mozambique, who were defeated by Spain 8-4 in Group B’s other match, next.
The team from Oceania was hit by a number of Covid-19 infections before the curtain raiser, but in a news conference FIFA general secretary Fatma Samoura said that the world federation is doing everything it can to provide a safe environment.
“Due to the pandemic, we implemented strict health and safety measures for everyone,” said Samoura. “One of them is the compulsory use of face masks that cover the nose and mouth, which should be worn at all times and in all areas of the stadium.”
Samoura also attended the host’s first match in group A. Russia participate in the tournament as Team RFU because of a ban from international sporting competitions over a doping scandal. At present, Russia is also banned from hosting sporting world championships.
Team RFU opened their account with a 5-4 win against the United States. The Russians reached the last four in the semi-finals of the last four editions and won the competition in 2011 and 2013.
On Friday, defending champions Portugal kick off their campaign against Oman in Group D while Brazil meet Switzerland in Group C.
All matches will be played at the Luzhniki Beach Soccer Stadium, a temporary venue with a capacity of 5,000 seats. The final will take place on August 29.
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