Beach Boys Keeps Hope Alive

Argentina defeated the UAE 4-2 to keeps their hopes alive at the 2008 Beach Soccer World Cup.

Although a win was essential for both teams, it was Argentina who pressed harder from the kick-off and it came as no surprise when Federico HILAIRE headed them into the lead. The Middle Eastern side quickly drew level when Marcelo SALGUEIRO was powerless to prevent Rami Al MESAABI's long-range free kick from flying in.

The South Americans continued to dominate but could find no way past Mohamed Al MAZAM until a spectacular Facundo MINICI overhead kick put them back in the lead, Gustavo CASADO then adding another with a smart free kick. Marcelo MENDES’s men were not done yet, though, with Qambar SADEQI lashing home another free kick to cut the deficit.

Federico HILAIRE's struck with his second goal early in the third period to put the game out of reach, and although UAE caused the odd flutter in the dying stages, the points were Argentina's.

It was very tight at the start but we stayed calm. Unlike the game with Nigeria, we didn't get anxious about scoring early goals this time. I'm very happy with how the team performed and I hope we can play just as well against France. Francisco PETRASSO, Argentina coach

It was an extremely hard game, but the things that didn't work for us against Nigeria went our way today. We were tighter at the back and kept our concentration up. Federico HILAIRE, Argentina player