Both UAE and Japan advanced to the semifinals amidst wide speculations that should the top two sides reach the title game, the final would be another rematch between the two continent’s beach soccer giants.

“We’ve accomplished our goal, which was ending first in our group. Now, I’m pleased UAE beat China, so we will play them in the final. Last year I was in Dubai as a player and they beat us twice. Since that day I’ve been kind of hoping we would meet again,” said a happy Japan coach Takeshi Kawaharazuka.

Meanwhile, the match between Japan and Iran had all the ingredients what makes of Beach Soccer such an exciting sport. The two sides went for victory, created loads of opportunities and tied into extra-time until Japan eventually decided the game on penalties.

Japan took an early lead by Yamautchi who scored his sixth goal of the tournament which brings him another inch closer to becoming the top scorer of the Dubai Showdown.

Iran did everything to come back in the game but failed to do so until the beginning of the third period when Boulokbashi had a brilliant moment and launched a rocket into the back of the net from 12 yards out. The outset of day three was decided by penalties. Japan scored, Iran didn’t.

The shell-shocked Iran side will take heart from the fact that, as winning the first game against Philippines, they earned a place alongside Japan in the semifinals, but for now they will just wonder what happened.

UAE left China no chance in the second game of day three of the qualifier. The defending champions notched their second victory of the tournament by defeating China 5-0. A precious three-point haul for the host, who put the East Asians back with both feet on the ground.

“This win is the culmination of all our hard work during the preparation of this competition. My men played a beautiful game today.

“We didn’t score in the first period, but didn’t get anxious and the goals soon followed. China are a very tough side, but still have a lot to learn, both technically and tactically.

“With my friend Rodrigo running the team, I think they still make a shot to qualify for Marseille,” commented Marcelo Mendes after the game.

China’s head coach Rodrigo Stockler said: “Obviously I would have loved to win this game, but it didn’t happen. We didn’t play well and missed quite a lot of chances early in the game.

“The more experienced team took the three points today and is by my opinion a serious contender for the Dubai trophy.”