from FIFA.com...The host nation at Marseille 2008 need to beat Uruguay if they are to spare themselves the ignominy of a first-round exit. Senegal meanwhile will be looking to beat Iran and hope that France do indeed slip up. In Group B, by contrast, first place is all that is left to play for.
The big match
France - Uruguay, 19.15 (local time)
Marseille 2008 without the host nation in the quarter-finals? We may all be forced to get used to this idea rather soon. After a loss and a win on penalties in Group A, France simply have to beat Uruguay if they are to make it through to the last eight. If they win in regulation time then Eric Cantona's men will be through to the quarters. However, if, like their last two matches, it again goes to penalties or even just extra time, they will be reliant on the Senegal-Iran result. Making matters even tougher for Les Bleus is the fact that they have never beaten Uruguay at a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. At the semi-final stage in 2006 and in the match for third place in 2007, the Celeste squeezed through on penalties (2-2 aet, 0-1 pso on both occasions).
The other games
There is little left in the way of suspense in Group B with Portugal and Italy having already made it through to the quarter-finals. The pair go head-to-head on Monday to see who tops their section, but, with their opposition in the last eight being one of Uruguay, France and Senegal, the advantage of finishing first as opposed to second could be minimal. Mindful of that, Italy and Portugal's coaches may well use the game for squad rotation - something that might also be the case between El Salvador and Solomon Islands in their consolation match. Finally in Group A, Senegal will have to overcome Iran and hope that Les Bleus succumb to Uruguay. If the Africans win in regulation time and the French only get through after extra time or on penalties (or indeed lose), then Senegal will squeeze past the host nation and into the last eight.
Player to watch
Pape Koukpaki (SEN)
Senegal desperately need a win against Iran to qualify for the quarter-finals while hoping that France do not manage the same result as them. The Lions of Teranga will therefore be counting on their star striker who has already scored six times in their opening two matches.
The stat
0 - The number of times before this year that Italy had reached the quarter-finals of a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. The Azzurri have already put an end to this barren streak.
What they said
"Our aim is still to win the World Cup on 27 July, and we are going to do all in our power to achieve that." Portugal forward, Belchior
The full schedule
Portugal - Italy (14.45)
El Salvador - Solomon Islands (16.15)
Senegal - Iran (17.45)
France - Uruguay (19.15)
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