Doubles from Ahmed Beshir and Hesham Muntaser helped the UAE secure a nervy 5-4 win against debutants Spain, boosting hopes of success at the 2018 Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup.

The hosts at Kite Beach had been beaten 3-1 by Egypt on Tuesday’s opening night. A positive response in Group A was essential to chances of improving upon last year’s fifth-placed finish.

Beshir and Muntaser, plus Ali Mohammad, helped the Whites race into a 5-1 lead by the end of the second period, only for the Europeans to create a nervy finish.

Elsewhere, holders Brazil beat Egypt 10-5 to maintain control of the section.