Brazil prevail over fighting UAE in beach soccer

The UAE stood up to the might of Brazil before suffering a narrow 2-0 loss in the first semi-final of the 2011 Fifa Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup at The Walk JBR last night. Watched by a packed stadium of more than 4,000 spectators, the hosts matched the Brazilians until Sidney Souto struck in the first period of play. Perhaps smarting from their 7-0 loss to Russia in a Group A match late Thursday, the UAE showed they were no pushovers against the four-time world champions. UAE skipper Rami Abdullah Al Mesaabi saw his effort fly off the frame of the goal before Souto caught UAE keeper Abbas Mousa Hussain off guard to open the scoring. After a barren second period — during which the UAE could have equalised when Adel Ali Ranjbar was awarded a free-kick from close range — the Brazilians doubled their lead with 10 minutes remaining in the final period. Today's fixtures: Third place play-off: UAE vs Switzerland or Russia (7pm); Final: Brazil vs Russia or Switzerland (8.15 pm).