Russia reclaim Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup Dubai

Russia emerged champions of the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup Dubai while hosts UAE gained another major scalp with a consolation win over World champions Portugal at the Dubai International Marine Club on Saturday.

Russia bounced back from a loss to UAE to outplay Tahiti 5-2 after romping to a 4-0 lead in the first period.

Tahiti tried to claw back into contention but the two goals were not enough to steal a win from the very solid Russian team.

The win is the first major win of the season for the Russians and it caps a year in which they just fell short in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and the Euro Beach Soccer League.

The win also gives Russia the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup Dubai for the first time since 2012.

Tahiti finished second in the last two biggest competitions of the year, the World Cup, against Portugal and the Intercontinental Cup to Russia.
 

UAE rolled over Portugal 4-1 in the fifth place match to upset the current FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup champions.

The win gives the hosts four wins in five matches after beating the last two teams to win the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Russia in 2011 and 2013, and Portugal this year.

Portugal finished this tournament in sixth place after winning two of five games.
 
A late first period goal from Walid gave the hosts a 1-0 lead.

The Europeans hit back through Coimbra and as the midway point of the match came and went, the score was 2-1 for the UAE but the hosts tacked on their goal with just over five minutes left in the frame, to make the score 3-1.

W. Beshr took it upon himself to score again and his second straight goal left the score at 4-1 for the hosts after two periods.
 
Results
                                                                                        
Argentina 2-6 Mexico (7th Place)
 
Portugal 1-4 UAE (5th Place)
 
Egypt 2(2)-2(3) (pso) Iran (3rd Place)
 
Tahiti 2-5 Russia (Final)

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