Saturday sees second round of group games at Russia 2021
Group A: RFU and Japan target back-to-back wins
Group B: Will UAE take a step towards the knockouts?
The beach soccer extravaganza continues in Moscow as Groups A and B are back in action on the third day of competition at the Luzhniki Olympic Complex.
After eye-catching wins on Matchday 1, table-topping Japan and Spain will try to cement their early advantage. Meanwhile, the hosts, despite victory over USA, are in need of some fine-tuning before taking on Paraguay.
Here's the lowdown on the four matches taking place in Russia on Saturday.
The games (all times local)
Group A Japan - USA (16:30) RFU - Paraguay (20:30) Group B Mozambique - UAE (15:00) Tahiti - Spain (19:00)
Did you know?
Hosts vow to come back stronger Mikhail Likhachev's team were not as assured as Russian fans would have liked in their 5-4 extra-time win over USA on Matchday 1. However, striker Boris Nikonorov has vowed his side will work on their mistakes and deliver the kind of performance their supporters expected.
Japan aim to extend winning streak Francis Farberoff and his charges gave the hosts a stern test in their first match, but another tough assignment now awaits. After coming from behind to beat Paraguay 7-4, the legendary Ozu and his Japanese side are on a run of four group games without defeat after a flawless showing at Paraguay 2019.
UAE eye maiden knockout qualification United Arab Emirates caused an upset in their opening match as they overcame two-time runners-up Tahiti. Now, the Asian side are on the verge of qualifying for the quarter-finals for the first time. Standing in their way however are debutants Mozambique, who fought gallantly against Spain before succumbing to an 8-4 defeat.
Will Chiky add to his tally? Tahiti had only lost two group games in their previous three World Cup campaigns. However, after going down to UAE, the Tiki Toa have it all to do against group favourites Spain and their in-form forward Chiky, who will no doubt be hungry for more after bagging a hat-trick against Mozambique.
The quote
"Paraguay loves its football. We were there at the last World Cup in 2019, and I was amazed at how many pitches they have! The game is a religion over there. And the players are brilliant. We're expecting a fierce battle, but we're ready to give 110 per cent." Boris Nikonorov (RFU forward)
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