Who would have thought it? In a group featuring France and Argentina, Nigeria are the only team who have made sure of their place in the knock-out rounds by beating the two favourites. The Beach Eagles will be free to play their football in this final group match, knowing also that a win over United Arab Emirates will see them top the group whatever the outcome of the other match. UAE on the other hand are already eliminated.

The match
United Arab Emirates - Nigeria, Wednesday 7 November, 12:30 (local time)

The stakes
Having been knocked out in the first round last year, the African champions have already made sure that they will go further this year. A third win would see them finish in first place in their group and increase their confidence as they enter the knock-out phase.

UAE have other things on their mind. Having lost to France and Argentina, they are already out of the competition and are playing merely for pride and to gain the experience they will need for future competitions.

The players
UAE will be without Rami Al Mesaabi, who is suspended, as is Nigeria's Ifeanyi Onigbo.

The past
This is the first time that the two teams will have met. The Asian champions are still looking for their first victory in this competition.

The words
We've played better than we thought but we're obviously lacking in experience. We still have a lot to learn. At our next World Cup, things will go a lot better. - Bakhit Alabadla, United Arab Emiratesplayer

After beating France, we need to keep our concentration and aim to beat the Emirates to make sure that we finish top of the group. - Kelechi Emeteole, Nigeriacoach