Portugal meet plucky Iran

The game
Portugal - Iran, Rio de Janeiro, Friday 2 November, 12:30 (local time)

The stakes
With Spain - another big-hitter in the world of beach soccer - also featuring in Group B, Portugal cannot afford any slip-ups against opposition inferior to them in terms of squad and experience. Starting off their campaign with a win will not only give them the points they need but also the confidence. Iran are nurturing different ambitions. Marco Octavio's men are looking for their first ever win at a FIFA World Cup after three losses in as many matches last year. Realistically, they will be looking to avoid a heavy defeat here which would compromise their chances in terms of goal difference and affect team morale.

The players
Both teams have full squads at their disposal for their opening match in the tournament.

The past
The two countries have yet to meet at a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Statistically speaking, Iran will be looking to put an end to a run of defeats which saw them let in six goals in their last three matches in the competition back in 2006, against Canada (6-6, 0-1 pso), Spain (1-6) and France (3-6).

Did you know?
Portugal's Hernani will be hoping to celebrate his 44 ^th birthday with a win over Iran.

The words
"Portugal need to aim as high as possible, but we will have to be careful and take each match as it comes. Before we start thinking about the title, we need to think about Iran." Hernani,Portugaldefender