FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup – UAE 2024: Portugal thrash Mexico 8-2


DUBAI: Portugal secured the biggest win of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 so far, defeating Mexico 8-2 on Friday in the opening match of Group D.

The Portuguese team who won the World Cup twice in 2015 and 2019, needed only 47 seconds to assert their dominance early on, scoring the first and fastest goal in the Beach Soccer World Cup “UAE 2024” so far.

Portugal continued to score goals throughout the first and second halves, ending them with a 6-0 lead. They added two more goals in the third half, while Mexico scored two of their own, for a final score of 8-2. Portugal secured the biggest win of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 so far, defeating Mexico 8-2 on Friday in the opening match of Group D.

The Portuguese team who won the World Cup twice in 2015 and 2019, needed only 47 seconds to assert their dominance early on, scoring the first and fastest goal in the Beach Soccer World Cup “UAE 2024” so far.

Portugal continued to score goals throughout the first and second halves, ending them
with a 6-0 lead. They added two more goals in the third half, while Mexico scored two of their own, for a final score of 8-2.

Source: Emirates News Agency

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup: Tahiti 4-3 Argentina


DUBAI: A Heirauarii Salem double helped Tahiti come from behind to beat Argentina 4-3 in a UAE 2024 Dubai thriller.

Tahiti went bicycle-kick crazy and survived a late Argentina comeback to win their UAE 2024 Dubai curtain-raiser.

Lucas Ponzetti rounded off a delightful team move with a sumptuous finish to break the deadlock. Argentina then absorbed considerable pressure, Manuel Pomar making a sensational goal-line clearance before Sebastian Gomez Polatti pulled off an excellent save.

The second period was all Tahiti, however. After Heirauarii Salem equalised with an overhead kick, Raimana Li Fung Kuee put them ahead with a free-kick. In the third, Roonui Tinirauarii and Salem netted bicycle kicks to seemingly put the contest to bed.

Ponzetti’s second of the game nevertheless pulled one back, and Pomar’s fine strike made for a nervy finish.

Source: Emirates News Agency

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup – UAE 2024: Edson Hulk double helps Brazil down Oman


DUBAI: Brazil were given a stern test by Oman but ultimately did enough to get off to a winning start at UAE 2024 Dubai.

Edson Hulk flexed his muscle to help Brazil finally overpower the nagging challenge of Oman in their UAE 2024 Dubai opener. The Asian underdogs silenced the pro-Seleção crowd with the first goal, and traded blows with their illustrious opponents for the first two periods.

Brazil took over in the third and Hulk’s second of the game made sure of all three points.

Source: Emirates News Agency

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup: Iran defeat Spain in penalty shootout


DUBA: The opening day of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup ended with a roller-coaster clash between Spain and IR Iran in Group B, with the Iranians eventually emerging victors on penalties after a stunning 6-6 draw.

La Roja and Team Melli put on one of the most gripping group-stage games in recent history. The woodwork was rocked on multiple occasions, but nets still rippled 12 times. Spain led 3-0 and 5-2, but IR Iran, thanks to four Mohammadali Mokhtari goals and an emphatic penalty shootout display, emerged victorious.

Spain’s Dona and Moslem Mesigar of IR Iran set a new record for playing in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups the longest time apart: 17 years. Portugal legend Belchior had held the record at 16 years.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE leaders congratulate President of Lithuania on Independence Day


ABU DHABI: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message to President Gitanas Nauseda of Lithuania, congratulating him on his country’s Independence Day.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also sent similar messages to the Lithuanian President and to Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonyte on the occasion.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE President, King of Bahrain discuss fraternal relations, regional developments


MANAMA: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain discussed the fraternal ties between the two nations, the depth of their cooperation, and collective efforts across various sectors to fulfil their shared goals of progress and development while serving mutual interests. Additionally, they addressed several matters of joint concern.

This took place as His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa welcomed His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his accompanying delegation in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain.

His Majesty welcomed the visit of His Highness and the accompanying delegation to his second home, Bahrain, where they exchanged friendly conversations that reflected the depth of the fraternal relations uniting the leaderships and peoples of the two countries based on strong ties of kinship, understanding, and a belief in their s
hared destiny. They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to continued coordination and consultation for the benefit of their peoples and the broader region.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered his condolences and sympathies to His Majesty over the martyrdom of Major Abdullah Al Noaimi and a number of his comrades from the UAE Armed Forces following a recent terrorist act in the Federal Republic of Somalia while on duty training the Somali Armed Forces. His Majesty, in turn, expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies over the martyrs of the UAE.

The meeting touched on the importance of enhancing joint Gulf action and the two countries’ commitment to supporting it at various levels for the wellbeing of all citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Additionally, the two sides explored regional and international developments, along with ways to elevate bilateral and multilateral cooperation to address a range of issues and developments.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nah
yan stated that the fraternal relations between the UAE and Bahrain are growing stronger due to the shared dedication of their leaders to enhance ties across various sectors. He highlighted that the relationship between the UAE and Bahrain stands as a cornerstone of collective Gulf and Arab initiatives and reflects the aligned perspectives of both nations on regional issues.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa expressed his pride in the profound and brotherly relationship between Bahrain and the UAE, emphasising his dedication to further strengthening these ties. He applauded the high level of cooperation and ongoing collaboration between the two countries, as well as their aligned strategic visions aimed at enhancing regional security and stability.

His Majesty hosted a lunch banquet in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the accompanying delegation.

The meeting was attended by the accompanying delegation of His Highness, which includes H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zaye
d Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Abdullah Muhair Al Ketbi, Minister of Federal Supreme Council Affairs; Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Member of the Executive Council; Fahad Al Ameri, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain; and a number of senior officials.

Upon arrival at the Sakhir Air Base earlier today, His Highness was received by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, and a number of high-ranking officials in the Kingdom.

His Highness, accompanied by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, visited the headquarters of the
Royal Guard, where they were briefed on its facilities and annexes. Upon their arrival at the headquarters, the national anthems of the UAE and Bahrain were played.

The reception was attended by Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force; Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Commander of the Royal Guard; Colonel His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Royal Guard Special Force Commander, and a number of senior officers of the Bahrain Defence Force.

His Highness also visited the family of the late Major Abdullah Al Noaimi, offering his heartfelt condolences and sympathies. He prayed for God Almighty’s mercy and forgiveness for him and all Emirati martyrs, and for their families to find patience and comfort.

His Highness penned a message in the visitor’s book at the headquarters, expressing, ‘It is a pleasure to visit the Royal Guard’s headquarters, a key pillar of Bahrain’s national
framework, emblematic of the nation’s strong defence and its contributions to security and stability locally and regionally. I extend my best wishes to Royal Guard members for their ongoing success and honour.’

Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa presented a gift to His Highness the President on the occasion of his visit to the headquarters of the Royal Guard, expressing gratitude for the visit and highlighting the pride of Royal Guard members in welcoming His Highness.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was bid farewell by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa as he departed Bahrain.

Source: Emirates News Agency