The UAE edged past Italy 3-1 on penalties after a gripping goalless draw in their crucial FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Group A clash.
Disallowed goals, rattling crossbars, and incredible saves kept the packed crowd on the edge of their seats, but neither team could break the deadlock in regulation time.
It was the first scoreless beach soccer game since the sport came under the FIFA banner 19 years ago.
The UAE's Jamal Humaid emerged as the hero, saving three of Italy's four spot-kicks.
Despite the shoot-out defeat, Italy still finished top of the group due to their superior goal difference, with both teams securing passage to the quarter-finals.
In Group A's other match, The US fell 5-4 to Egypt in extra time in its final match at the 2024 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Despite the defeat, the match was historic as goalkeeper and captain Chris Toth earned his 100th cap, making him US Soccer’s first Beach Soccer athlete to hit the century mark since the Federation began overseeing the discipline in 2005.
A flurry of late goals earned Argentina a first win following a ding-dong clash with Spain in Group B
Action-packed second and third periods of the game brought this encounter to life, as the pair traded three goals apiece to head into the final moments all square.
Long-range strikes from Manuel Pomar and Lucas Medero gave Argentina control, and while Kuman gave Spain hope, the Albiceleste ran out 5-4 victors.
And Iran defeated Tahiti 5-3 to set up a quarter-final clash with the UAE on Thursday, February 22.
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