Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Some fifteen Asian nations learned their AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2015 fate on Wednesday when the draw for the tournament was held in the Qatari capital.
With the winners, runners-up and third-placed team all guaranteed a spot at July’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Portugal, host nation Qatar were placed in Group A where they will have Oman, Bahrain and Laos – their opening day opponents on March 23 - for company.
Iran, the side ranked highest in Asia by FIFA, will face Thailand and Lebanon in Group D. Iran are scheduled to begin their campaign against the Lebanese.
In Group B, Japan, who finished fourth at the 2000 and 2005 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups, are set to do battle with China, Vietnam and Kuwait, while the UAE, Uzbekistan and Iraq will compete in Group C.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the competition’s knockout stage ahead of the final which will be held on March 28.
Only six teams have confirmed their 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup places so far – Italy, Portugal, reigning champions Russia, Spain, Switzerland and Fiji.
AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2015 Groups
Group A: Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Laos
Group B: Japan, China, Vietnam, Kuwait
Group C: UAE, Uzbekistan, Iraq
Group D: Iran, Thailand, Lebanon
AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2015 Opening Day Fixtures: March 23
(All games to be played at Kotara Beach, Doha)
Group A: Qatar v Laos, Oman v Bahrain
Group B: China v Vietnam, Japan v Kuwait
Group C: UAE v Iraq
Group D: Iran v Lebanon
Photo: AFP