Despite a sterling second period comeback, the UAE kicked off the 2013 Beach Soccer World Cup with a 3-2 defeat to hosts Tahiti in Papeete this morning.
The Emirati team started off nervously but could have taken the lead when Hasan Ali Al Hammadi’s shot was spectacularly saved by Jonathan Torohia, the Tahiti goalkeeper, after four minutes. A minute later at the other end, Mohamed Al Jasmi saved twice in quick succession to deny the home team.
It was only a brief respite however, Raimoana Bennett giving Tahiti the lead in the sixth minute. Al Jasmi was much the busier of the two keepers and the second goal inevitably arrived in the 10th minute through the excellent Teva Zaveroni.
The second period started as the first had ended, with Raimana Li Fung Kuee giving Tahiti a 3-0 lead. With top scorer Ali Karim starved of any chances, the UAE were left facing humiliation.
A scrappy goal by Al Hammadi in the 20th minute transformed the match. A minute later Haitham Al Kaabi sidefooted brilliantly from Al Jasmi’s flick and volley. Suddenly the UAE were in the ascendancy and finished the period the stronger of the two teams.
In the last period the UAE continued to apply the pressure and came close through volleys by Ali Karim and Rami Al Mesaabi. As the minutes ticked down they became more desperate and resorted to long-range shots, but Tahiti stood firm.
At the final whistle, the home players were delighted with the 3-2 win, but the UAE players could be proud of their comeback after being outplayed in the first period.
The UAE face Spain next, who had earlier beaten the USA 5-4, and almost certainly need a win to stay in the competition.
akhaled@thenational.ae
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN MARITIME DISPUTE
2000: Israel withdraws from Lebanon after nearly 30 years without an officially demarcated border. The UN establishes the Blue Line to act as the frontier.
2007: Lebanon and Cyprus define their respective exclusive economic zones to facilitate oil and gas exploration. Israel uses this to define its EEZ with Cyprus
2011: Lebanon disputes Israeli-proposed line and submits documents to UN showing different EEZ. Cyprus offers to mediate without much progress.
2018: Lebanon signs first offshore oil and gas licencing deal with consortium of France’s Total, Italy’s Eni and Russia’s Novatek.
2018-2019: US seeks to mediate between Israel and Lebanon to prevent clashes over oil and gas resources.
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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