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FIFA - This was not the result many beach
soccer experts had predicted. Japan had been expected to dominate the Dubai
event (21-26 May) after their excellent fourth-place finish in Brazil last
year. But although the Japanese side led by coach and goalkeeper Eiichi Kato
managed to reach the final, they ultimately came across an opponent too
strong for them.
It would be wrong for the Japanese to let their heads drop. Not only did
they prove their pedigree on the global stage in 2005, they won their
qualifying group in Dubai with two straight victories and a staggering goal
difference of +21. More importantly perhaps, their main objective of
qualifying for this year's showpiece event was achieved with a golden-goal
winner against China PR in the semi-finals (3-2 a.e.t.), leaving the outcome
of the final almost academic.
That said, their co-finalists Bahrain were in scintillating form all through
the tournament. Imperious from the outset, the side masterminded by Gustavo
Henrique Zloccowick thoroughly deserved to leave Dubai undefeated.
"I'm amazed by what this squad was able to accomplish after just 20 days of
preparation," explained the Brazilian trainer afterwards. "It wasn't so much
the fact we qualified as how we did it that impressed me. It's simply
awesome to see what this represents for the country."
Copacabana beach will also welcome a third Asian team between 2 and 12
November, as Iran picked up the last remaining berth on offer. Defeated just
once, by Japan, the Iranians sealed their passage by overcoming China PR in
the match for third place, but they must address a few issues to have any
hopes of success beneath the Brazilian sun. Indeed, having conceded 20 goals
in four games, the work must start now on their generous defence.
Bahrain (in red) beat Japan (in blue) 6-4 in the final of the Asian Zone
qualifiers for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2006.
Results
Group A
UAE 4 Bahrain 7
Bahrain 3 China PR 0
UAE 3 China PR 4
Standings
1. Bahrain - 6 pts (+6)
2. China PR - 3 pts (-2)
3. UAE - 0 pt (-4)
Group B
Japan 16 Philippines 0
Japan 7 Iran 3
Philippines 3 Iran 8
Standings
1. Japan - 6 pts (+20)
2. Iran - 3 pts (+1)
3. Philippines - 0 pt (-21)
Semi-finals
Bahrain 7 Iran 2
Japan 3 China PR 2 (a.e.t.)
Match for third place
Iran 5 China PR 3
Final
Bahrain 6 Japan 4
Best player
Abdulla Ismaeel Omar (Bahrain)
Best goalkeeper
Hamed Ghorbanpour Davisaraye (Iran)
Top scorers
Takeshi Kawaharazuka (Japan) - 9 goals
Mohammad Ahmadzadeh (Iran) - 8
Mahmood Yusuf Mohamd Yusuf (Bahrain) - 6
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