FIFA.com looks back at the highlights from Marseille 2008, where beach soccer titans Brazil were made to work hard to retain their world title.

Portugal, Spain, Brazil and Italy booked their places in the semi-finals by eliminating Uruguay, Argentina, Russia and France respectively.

Italy raced into a five-goal lead over France, who, roared on by their own fans in Marseille, fought hard but to no avail to deny them a semi-final place.

It was not all plain sailing for France, but their victory over Uruguay sent the hosts into the last eight and lifted belief that they can win the title.

Marseille 2008 heads into its decisive phase with quarter-finals day on Thursday. FIFA.com looks ahead to the four ties.

The hosts recaptured their form to nudge Uruguay out of first place in Group A and confirm their passage to the last eight.