Hosts UAE kicked off their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Egypt in the first ever all-Arab clash at the finals.
Waleed Beshr sent the home crowd wild midway through the first period as his free-kick found a way under Ibrahim Hassan. Beshr almost turned provider soon after as Rashed Eid met his floated cross at the back post, but headed narrowly wide.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the second period. This time Ali Mohammed fired a free-kick towards the goal, which ricocheted its way over the Egypt stopper.
Egypt would get themselves back into the game with little under four minutes remaining. Moustafa Sasa lifted a corner which was decisively headed home by Hossam Paulo. While Ahmed Beshr was later shown a red card, the African nation couldn't find a leveller.
The first day of the tournament ended with a roller-coaster clash between Spain and 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.
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