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MY BEACH SOCCER 
The Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup Dubai 2014 is quickly approaching and the superstar offers his insight
Dubai and the UAE will again be hosting the world’s best teams and players when the season makes its annual stop for a new edition of the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup. Among those will be Portugal and Al Ahli’s ace Madjer. Madjer’s story is steeped in accolades and history, much like his country Portugal, but their future look even brighter than their past, with the Intercontinental Cup and FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015 looming.
This is the fourth edition of the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup, and when it comes to beach soccer it is difficult to find a better collection of teams, including hosts UAE, World champions Russia, all-time beach kings Brazil, defending champions Iran, CONCACAF crown-holders USA, Asian giants Japan, Europe runner-ups Portugal, and African powerhouses Morocco.
For Portugal, Madjer says: “It is a real honour to take part in such an important competition, one of the most important of the beach soccer calendar, where you face the best teams of each continent in a dream venue like Dubai. Every single beach soccer player dreams about having the chance to take part in the Intercontinental Cup, and we will now have the chance to do it.”
Never considered far from the epicenter of beach soccer, the Portuguese side knows that this tournament is crucial in staying relevant, among other things.
Madjer adds: “Playing in this competition will help our National team grow, as it involves big sides and will get us to play in a very competitive environment. This will also help us become better, stronger, at the same time it will let us prove that Portugal should always be considered an insider to the beach soccer elite everywhere.”
Madjer says Dubai has been his second home for the last few years, since joining the UAE club powerhouse, Al-Ahli, and has found much success with them, collecting both league and cup titles and individual awards year after year. He goes on to say, “This is a very special sensation for me. I am very thankful to Dubai, where I feel at home and everyone is very nice to me, and it is a very special feeling to come here with my National Team. It will be great playing here with Portugal.“
Fully aware of the terrific competitiveness of the battle at the tournament, Madjer points out, “it is very difficult to pick one favourite for this Samsung Intercontinental Cup, because all the teams have an awesome level. Last year’s experience proves that. Iran was hardly considered a favourite, and they beat everyone to become the champions.” Much like Madjer, fans and players alike cannot wait for all the excitement and upsets coming up in this fourth edition of the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup, beginning November 4th.
Portugal’s opening match will be against the defending champions Iran. The match kicks off 8pm at the Dubai International Marine Club on November 4.
