Beach Soccer World Cup 2013: Group A

Ahmed Rizvi looks at the other teams the UAE will face in Group A at the Beach Soccer World Cup in Tahiti.

Tahiti, in white, are considered among the tournament's most dangerous teams. Antonie Robetson / The National

Spain:

Winners of five Euro Beach Soccer League titles and three Euro Beach Soccer Cups, Spain are back at the World Cup after failing to qualify in 2011. Winners of the European qualifying competition for Tahiti 2013, the Iberians have not finished better than fourth at the World Cup, but they have set their sights on the title this time. "The objective is to win the World Cup and we're capable of competing with the best teams out there," Joaquin Alonso, the Spain coach, told Fifa.com.

Player to watch Nico, who will be playing in his sixth World Cup finals.

United States:

The US are back at the World Cup finals after failing to qualify for the last edition. Their confidence is high as they arrive in Tahiti as Concacaf champions. Led by coach Eddie Soto, if the Americans make it beyond the group stages it will be the first time in four appearances. "There's a lot of spirit in the team," said Nick Perera, the star of their qualifying campaign. "We're a bunch of friends."

Player to watch Nick Perera, scored 11 goals in six qualifying games.

Tahiti:

At the 2013 Fifa Confederations Cup in June, Tahiti lost all three of their matches in Brazil and conceded 24 goals, scoring just one. At home, though, they are a different proposition. They boast a six-match winning streak on home sand and in Angelo Schirinzi, they have one of the best tacticians in the sport. "They've had some good results and when you combine that with them hosting the tournament, it makes them a dangerous team," warned Spain coach Alonso.

Player to watch Pivot Teva Zaveroni, who is playing in his second World Cup.