We feel ready to go for our fourth title in Dubai, says Russian coach
Russian team coach Mikhail Likhachev wants his team to overtake Brazil to become the most decorated team at the Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup
After a solid campaign, in which the Russian side has claimed the World Beach Games European qualifier and the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup European qualifier, the Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup, which is organised by Dubai Sports Council in association with Beach Soccer Worldwide, stands as a unique opportunity for Mikhail Likhachev’s squad to add a new prestigious honour right before the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
“The Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup Dubai is one of our favourite competitions, for everything around it: a perfect venue such as Dubai, a great atmosphere, and very tough and competitive opponents,” Likhachev explained.
The team arrives in Dubai in a very good moment, and with the sole goal of adding yet another Intercontinental Cup to their already shining cabinet. “We feel confident, our mood is very good and we are already very focused. We have great expectations and we are already thinking of the first game of the competition against Egypt, and willing to show everyone, with our performances, that we are prepared and willing to go all the way in the competition”, the Russian coach added.
The mission will not be easy, though, as Likhachev knows the tough competition they will be facing, “especially in such a busy season as the one we have been having”.
To take this challenge in Dubai, Russia will, as always, field a terrifically competitive team, “with some new faces and new tactical implementations. We have always finished amongst the top-3, but one year, and we want to perform successfully again this year. We are ready and determined, and we also want the fans to enjoy our game, but only what happens on the sand will determine us,” Likhachev said.
Russia, who have been drawn in Group 2, together with defending champions Iran, Egypt and CONCACAF kings Mexico, will for sure be backed by the support of the numerous and noisy Russian fans, always one of the highlights of the event. With that support and a truly talented and competitive squad, the two-time world champions have everything it takes to lift the Intercontinental Cup trophy on Nov.9. Only time will tell if they manage to do so.
The ninth edition of the Intercontinental Cup Dubai is set to return to Kite Beach between Nov.5-9 and hosts UAE will be joined by defending champions Iran, Egypt, Italy, Spain, Japan, Mexico and in this unique beach soccer showpiece.
The 2019 edition of the tournament will not see any debutants hit the sand in the UAE, but it will only be a second appearance for Italy and Spain, while Russia maintain their record of being the only side, other than their Emirati hosts, to take part in every single edition.
Russia share the record for the most Intercontinental Cups won with Brazil (3), and the new edition could be the perfect opportunity for Likhachev’s men to lift trophy number four.
However, defending champions Iran will also be keen to make the most of the absence of Gilberto’s Brazilians, as they could draw level with Brazil and Russia should they retain the Intercontinental Cup and clinch a third title this year.
The Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup Dubai has become beach soccer’s most coveted prize after the World Cup and, between them, Russia (2011, 2012, 2015) and Iran (2013, 2018) have won in five of the previous eight seasons.
The Russians have also returned home with three runner-up trophies (2013, 2014, 2018) from Dubai, while Iran were bested by South American powerhouses and three-time champions Brazil in the 2016 final.
Head-to-head, Russia, who are the only team to have featured in all editions of the Intercontinental Cup along with hosts UAE, have met Iran nine times here in Dubai and Team Melli — roared on by their boisterous fans — have won six of their duels.
With both rivals drawn in the same group for a third year running, alongside Mexico and Egypt, fans of Russia and Iran will definitely fill the purpose-built stands that are taking shape at Kite Beach.
