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Portugal defeat United Arab Emirates in winner-takes-all meeting
Pushed into the extra period thanks to Ali Karim's last-gasp equaliser
That goal meant Portugal could no longer top Group C, leaving them with a last-eight meeting against Brazil
Reigning champions Portugal are still alive at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017, but it took a nail-biting 2-1 win over United Arab Emirates in extra time to keep their title defence alive.
The European heavyweights were pushed to the limit by a disciplined and experienced UAE side that was chasing maiden qualification to the knockout stage.
A lone strike from Belchior just past the halfway point looked set to be the difference, only for UAE’s Ali Karim to sensationally equalise in the final minute.
However, Portugal scored what proved to be the match winner almost immediately after the restart through Bruno Novo.
The result eliminated the unlucky UAE and lifted Portugal into second place in Group C and setting up a potentially epic quarter-final match-up against old rivals Brazil on Thursday.
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