“We were able to score six goals because the game never got away from us. With our triumph, we have secured a place in the last eight, bringing us a step closer to our greater goal,” said Walid.

“We have now had two good performances and I largely attribute that to the team’s mentality of always respecting our opponents, as this makes us work harder.”

Lying in store for the UAE now is a highly anticipated clash against familiar foes Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Bahrain number 10 was more excited than intimidated as the two former champions gear up for their final group stage clash on Tuesday.

“It will be a match of great significance. Last year, we played Iran in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and thus, we are aware of the threat they pose,” said the 41-year-old.

“But the quality of the Iran team will motivate us to double our efforts and give us the drive to come out victorious.”

Despite suffering their second loss, Indonesia head coach Ida Mahayasa was full of praise for his players, who will conclude their campaign against Afghanistan on Tuesday.

“I think the team showed a lot of heart and tried their best to implement the game plan,” said Mahayasa. “Even though we didn’t win, I applaud their performance and hope we put up a better fight in our final group stage game.”

Afghanistan v Indonesia
Venue: Jomtien Beach Arena (Pattaya)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 15:30 (UTC+7)

 

IR Iran v UAE
Venue: Jomtien Beach Arena (Pattaya)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 18:30 (UTC+7)