SPIRITED MATCHES IN FIRST DAY OF FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP 2013 - ASIAN QUALIFIER QATAR
KATARA BEACH, QATAR – The opening day of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2013 - Asian Qualifier Qatar saw Iran cruise past the Philippines by a 20-goal margin, Japan eek past a resolute Thailand and hosts Qatar fall to newcomers Afghanistan in a heated match to round out Tuesday’s games.
Qatar 3 - Afghanistan 7
In the first-ever Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifier for both Qatar and Afghanistan, the Afghan captain, S. Mohammadi, put five goals past the Qatari keeper to claim a 7-3 victory for Afghanistan.
The Qataris and Afghans exchanged spirited attempts in the first period, with both teams testing each other’s nets. Midway through the second period, Qatar and Afghanistan were level on three.
Afghanistan then pulled away toward the end of the second period with four unanswered goals.
Qatar now faces a tough qualification test, but can re-ignite their chances with a victory tomorrow evening against Australia.
UAE 6 – Saudi Arabia 3
The United Arab Emirates went to the top of Group C after defeating Saudi Arabia 6-3 in the opening game of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2013 – Asian Qualifier Qatar at Katara Beach. The Emiratis, who narrowly missed qualification to the last World Cup, wanted to ensure it did not happen again.
Palestine 6 – Uzbekistan 5
Palestine were unable to hold on to a three-goal lead in regular time in the 2nd match on Tuesday against Uzbekistan. It is was up to forward Husam Nawal to score the winning goal in extra-time to give the Palestinians a 6-5 win.
Iran 20 - Philippines 0
Iran inflicted severe pain on the Philippines on the first day qualifiers. The Persian side could not find a better way to send the message that they intend to go to their fifth FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup than by smashing the Philippine National side by a 20-goal margin.
Lebanon 5 – Bahrain 3
Lebanon, who are participating in the Asian qualifiers for the first time, held on to a four-goal lead over Bahrain to achieve a comfortable 5-3 victory.
China 8 - Iraq 3
After Iran trounced the Philippines, China needed a convincing victory. The Chinese side, current Asian Beach Games bronze medalists, defeated Iraq 8-3. China now sit second in Group D, behind Iran on goal difference. With the victory, China maintain their chances of qualifying for the semis.
Australia 6 - Oman 4
With a spectacular individual effort, Australian forward Nikas led the Beach Socceroos to a 6-4 victory over Oman. The Omanis, having previously qualified for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011, are now under pressure to deliver in their upcoming games.
Japan 4 - Thailand 1
Thailand turned out to be a much tougher contender than what one could have expected, as the two-time and defending Asian Champions, Japan, found it difficult to edge past the mighty Thais, in this, their Asian qualifier debut. In the end, Japan did just enough to beat Thailand 4-1.
Today’s Results:
Match 1 - United Arab Emirates 6 - Saudi Arabia 3
Match 2 - Palestine 6 - Uzbekistan 5
Match 3 - Iran 20 - Philippines 0
Match 4 - Lebanon 5 - Bahrain 3
Match 5 - China 7 - Iraq 3
Match 6 - Australia 6 - Oman 4
Match 7 - Japan 4 - Thailand 1
Match 8 - Qatar 3 - Afghanistan 7
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