Russia win full points in Group B

Former three-time champions Russia made their intentions clear with a whopping 6-2 win over Mexico, while Iran slammed Paraguay 5-2 to open with positive results on the opening night of the Seventh Huawei Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup being held at Marasi Business Bay.

Winners here in 2011, 2012 and 2015, Russia had a strong hold on the match from the start as five different players scored to make it 5-0 by the end of the second period. Vladislav Aksenov opened the score, while Yury Krasheninnikov, Alexey Pavlenko, Boris Nikonorov and Kirill Romanov got their names on the scoresheet.

Mexico tried to fight back with goals from Jose Ramon Maldonado and Ulises Torres, but Nikonorov added his second to bag full points and put Russia firmly on top of Group B standings.

In the final match of the night, Iran woke up in time to earn full points with a hard-fought 5-2 win against Paraguay.

Earlier, reigning world and defending champions Brazil and former champions Portugal had opened the tournament with contrasting wins to open the tournament. Brazil took their time before overcoming African champions Egypt 11-3, while Portugal left it late for a well-contested 6-4 victory over hosts the UAE.

Russia x Mexico 6-2

Iran x Paraguay 5-2

Brazil x Egypt 11-3

Portugal x UAE 6-4

Playing on Wednesday (16:15) UAE x Egypt (Group A); (17:30) Brazil x Portugal (Group A); (18:45) Paraguay x Russia (Group B); (20:00) Mexico x Iran (Group B)