Qatar and Laos in action during the AFC Beach Soccer Championship at Katara Beach in Doha in this 2015 file picture. Qatar begin this year's campaign today with a match against Japan.
Qatar today face former champions Japan in their opening clash of the AFC Beach Soccer Championship.
Qatar have made two appearances at the continental competition - the 2013 and 2015 editions that they hosted.
They will, however, be looking to improve on their previous displays, having finished bottom of their group in both of their previous campaigns.
Portuguese coach Carlos Lisboa yesterday said: “We know fully well our performances in the past and we are here to make sure we improve our games to get the desired result."
He added: "The teams in the group are very formidable but we will give our best to go beyond the Group Stage this time and enter the semi-finals.”
Rivals Japan have two titles - in 2009 and 2011 - to their name and have finished as runners-up five times - in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013 and 2015.
Japan's Brazilian head coach Mendes Marcelo has warned his players not to rest on their laurels and to treat their Group C rivals as potential champions.
“We have arrived early in Kuala Terengganu and prepared well for the competition,” said Marcelo during the group’s pre-match media conference.
“Although we are two-time champions, we have respect for all the teams as many have got new strong players, and the UAE are also one of the strongest sides and so we can’t predict what will happen in our games.
“We can’t rely on any one player although they have helped us achieved a lot in our past games. To us, we want to be strong as a team and not depend on any particular player. We are here as challengers also and try our best to win the tournament," he said.
The United Arab Emirates are one of only two countries - along with Japan - to have won the competition twice. As hosts, the Emiratis won the title in 2007 and 2008 editions and also finished third at Qatar 2013.
Former national player and now head coach Mohamed Abas feels his side are ready for their toughest competition yet at Malaysia 2017.
“This is my first time coaching the UAE national team after being a national player before this,” he said yesterday. “We have been preparing for this competition for about three months and we have had friendlies against Hungary, Oman and Thailand, so I think we’re ready.
“Japan won this competition two times, like us, but it doesn't mean we can relax and take Iraq and Qatar lightly. We’ll play every game like it’s our last," he added.
Iraq have appeared at three previous AFC Beach Soccer Championships and are again facing a familiar foe in the shape of the UAE, who they played in the Group Stage of the last edition.
“This is my first year with the team and were gelling together really quick to represent our country,” said coach Rashid Hamad.
“I expect our opponents in the group to be very tough and I hope my players will adapt well and bring our first win in Monday’s game against the UAE," he said.
