All teams now have two games under their belts, with quarter-finals to be set over the next two days.
Day four of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017 on Sunday saw victories for Tahiti, Paraguay, Brazil and UAE.
Tahiti edge Japan in dramatic contest
Tahiti earned their first victory at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 in dramatic fashion, surviving a late fightback to defeat Japan 4-3 in their second Group D encounter.
An early goal from Tearii Labaste had the French Polynesian side in front through the first two periods of Sunday’s match in Nassau. However, the tight nature of this contest changed in the third period, as both sides produced six goals and a thrilling finish.
Though Takuya Akaguma struck a hat-trick for Japan, goals from Heiarii Tavanae, Patrick Tepa, and Raimana Li Fung Kuee secured three valuable points for Tahiti.
Paraguay upset holders Portugal
Paraguay provided the first upset at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 after a well-deserved 5-3 victory over holders Portugal in their second Group C match.
The first two periods were evenly contested, as Jordan twice cancelled out goals from Paraguay’s Jesus Rolon and Pedro Moran. In the third period, Paraguay secured a famous win with three fine goals from Moran, Juan Lopez, and Carlos Carballo.
Alan’s late reply for Portugal was not enough to turn things around, as the South Americans earned all three points.
Impressive Brazil see off Poland
Brazil moved to the top of Group D at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after a convincing 7-4 victory over Poland on Sunday.
It was the European champions that made a bright start with an early goal from Jakub Jesionowski, but a Lucao overhead finish drew Brazil level after the first period.
From that point on, the South American champions secured their second win of Bahamas 2017 with two goals each from Catarino and Rodrigo, a Fernando Ddi header, and a late Mauricinho strike. Despite a second Jesionowski goal and a brace from Boguslaw Saganowski late on, it was not enough for Poland to overcome the impressive Brazilians.
UAE edge brave Panama on penalties
United Arab Emirates survived a scare before recording a 3-2 shoot-out victory over Panama on Sunday to claim outright control of Group C at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017.
Despite scoring inside the opening minute, UAE were forced to come from behind after Panama netted twice in quick succession amid a frenetic opening.
However, UAE captain Walid Mohammad scored his second before the first interval to draw the two sides level in a match the west Asians dominated at times.
It was a brave showing from the Central Americans following a 7-0 defeat against Portugal on their tournament debut, but it is UAE who earn the lone point for a shoot-out win.
The west Asians, chasing their maiden qualification to the knockout stage, sit top on four points ahead of their concluding fixture against Portugal on Tuesday, while Panama will tackle Paraguay.
Sunday results
15:30 – Tahiti 4-3 Japan
17:00 – Paraguay 5-3 Portugal
18:30 – Poland 4-7 Brazil
20:00 – Panama (2) 2-2 (3) UAE
Monday fixtures
15:30 – Italy v Mexico
17:00 – Switzerland v Senegal
18:30 – Nigeria v Iran
20:00 – Bahamas v Ecuador
