The gold goes to UAE

The gold of these II Asian Beach Games will finally not stay in Al Musannah. It is going to fly only few miles, though, to neighbor United Arab Emirates. Mendes’ side has snatched the final victory from the penalty spot, after dismantling a two goal advantage by the hosts and proving a better aim from the 9 meters.

Finals are always finals, even in Beach Soccer. None of the team tends to throw themselves into attacking play because a single mistake can take the prize away, even being so close. Oman and UAE preferred to wait for the other to uncover to hit a first stroke. But that did not happen until some minutes have gone by, when Oman got ahead, starting that way they system that have worked greatly for them all through the tournament: getting ahead and building the victory from above. A second goal by Yahya confirmed they were in the right track.

But the clockwork worked not that fine for Talib’s side today, especially because the UAE are not an easy team to handle. The uncomfortable guests managed the equalizer thanks to two goals by Al Balooshi and Hassan, and ruined the perfect afternoon for the devoted Omani crowds that day after day have packed the Al Musannah Beach Stadium. Oman was not able to reply the equalizer end the game draw to a close with the 2-2 on the scoreboard. The extra time was not enough to change things and the gold medal was inevitably destined to be sorted out from the penalty spot.

This time, fate was not that welcoming to one of the Omani key players. Yahya took charge of the responsibility, and saw how his attempt went out, close to Abbas’ right post. The stands went immediately silent, fearing that UAE captain, Al Balooshi, might not miss the chance for his country. He did not, and the UAE went crowned as the kings of Asia, took the gold home, and left the silver for the proud hosts of this unforgettable Beach Sports festival.

Iran takes the bronze

In the match for the third place, Iran brushed any doubt away and walked over China to keep the medal bronze. Although the Chinese got surprisingly in command in the first period, thanks to a hit by Wang. But the Iranian roller got in motion, and Naderi (2), Abdollahi, Bahrololoom, Boulokbashi, and Mesigar secured the third place, giving the Chinese no chance to fight their chance back.