UAE clinch quarter-finals spot in FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup

WAM

Ali Mohammad's extra-time goal put the UAE in the knockout phase of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup - UAE 2024 for the first time, after eliminating USA 3-2.

Goalkeepers Humaid Jamal and Chris Toth were outstanding, both making multiple crucial saves.

Rashed Eid finally gave the hosts the lead in the second period, before Abdulla Abbas doubled it with a sublime overhead kick.

Toth got one back for the US in the third, and Canale found the equaliser for Team USA.

In extra-time, however, Ali capitalised upon a Toth mistake to spark wild celebrations from the Dubai crowd.

Meanwhile, IR Iran booked their place in the knockout phase following a 6-3 victory over Argentina. Three goals in the first period, including wonder strikes from Hamid Behzadpour and Reza Amiri, seemingly sent the contest in Iran's favour.

Argentina fought on, though, and twice brought the score to within one, but a fine team goal, which was finished by Ali Mirshekari, ultimately ended their brave fightback and sent the Albiceleste home.

And, Tahiti became the first team to reach the knockout phase, as they completed the comeback against Spain to win 5-3 and advance to the quarter-finals.

Spain's Arias and Batis put their team in the lead, followed by Dona, who had rifled home a third for Spain to become the first goalkeeper to net at these finals.

In a thrilling manner, Tahiti fought back to bring the game level with goals from Taiarui, Tepa, Labaste, before Roonui Tinirauarii netted a brace to send his side flying into the knockout phase.

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