On paper, this is the mismatch of the tournament. With title-hopefuls
Portugal facing an Iran team which finished last in the previous FIFA Beach
Soccer World Cup, it should not be hard to pick a winner. Yet while Portugal
are brimming with confidence and relatively unchanged from previous years,
the team from the Middle-East will surely be a different proposition from
last year.
The game
Portugal - Iran, Rio de Janeiro, Friday 2 November, 12:30 (local time)
The stakes
With Spain - another big-hitter in the world of beach soccer - also
featuring in Group B, Portugal cannot afford any slip-ups against opposition
inferior to them in terms of squad and experience. Starting off their
campaign with a win will not only give them the points they need but also
the confidence. Iran are nurturing different ambitions. Marco Octavio's men
are looking for their first ever win at a FIFA World Cup after three losses
in as many matches last year. Realistically, they will be looking to avoid a
heavy defeat here which would compromise their chances in terms of goal
difference and affect team morale.
The players
Both teams have full squads at their disposal for their opening
match in the tournament.
The past
The two countries have yet to meet at a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Statistically speaking, Iran will be looking to put an end to a run of
defeats which saw them let in six goals in their last three matches in the
competition back in 2006, against Canada (6-6, 0-1 pso), Spain (1-6) and
France (3-6).
Did you know?
Portugal's Hernani will be hoping to celebrate his 44 th birthday
with a win over Iran.
The words
"Portugal need to aim as high as possible, but we will have to be careful
and take each match as it comes. Before we start thinking about the title,
we need to think about Iran." Hernani,Portugaldefender
"This team is worlds apart from the one which was
knocked out last year. This year, we can't just be pleased that we're there
and in the first round. We need to aim higher." Marco
Octavio,Irancoach
