DUBAI: Japan won their first match in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup by defeating Colombia 3-2 on Friday. The match opened the competition for Group C, which also includes Senegal and Belarus, at the Dubai Design District Stadium.

Japan, which hold the record, along with Brazil, for the most appearances in the Beach Soccer World Cup (12), was able to avoid a surprise from Colombia, which is participating in the World Cup for the first time in its history.

Despite Japan’s dominance, scoring two consecutive goals, Colombia narrowed the gap before Japan scored their third while Colombia scored their second two minutes before the end of the match.

Source: Emirates News Agency