“We have a strong group. We have Egypt, who are Arabia champions, Italy, who became European champions last month, and USA, who were also champions in qualifying. We began our preparations last year. Our players are so focused, the players are training so hard. We want to take it target by target Our first target is to reach the knockout phase for the first time I our history.” Mohamed Bashir Al Maazmi, United Arab Emirates coach “It’s a balanced group. We have Italy, which recently won the Euro Beach Soccer championship. We have United Arab Emirates – the hosts – which are always a difficult team. We will now have played the hosts in four World Cups, so we know it’s a challenge. And Egypt, we have played them in the past and we know they are very physical and a very strong team. It’s a World Cup and every team is there for a reason. Everybody wants to win, and it’s a chance of a lifetime to make a good impression and represent their country. We know it’s going to be difficult.” Francis Farberoff, USA coach

“I think we must play our matches at 1,000 per cent. We must play every game as if it is the game of our lives. Nothing is easy at a World Cup. Now that Italy are European champions, everyone expects so much from us. We will do our utmost to carry Italy’s name high.” Emmanuele Zurlo, Italy captain

“We don’t have the same history as our group rivals. We know they will be very tough teams. I haven’t faced teams with their style before. They utilise their goalkeepers a lot, have very good footwork. People are saying it’s the group of death, but I don’t think any of the groups are easy.” Lautaro Benaducci, Argentina forward

“Nothing is easy. I think Senegal and Brazil have the toughest groups. It’s a World Cup, you have to take everything seriously. We lost in the semi-finals in 2021. We will try to do our best to put on a good showing this time.” Mamadou Diallo, Senegal coach

“I’m very excited. It’s our first time at a World Cup. It’s a tough group. Japan were runners-up at the last World Cup. Senegal is very strong, champions of Africa. And Belarus have been improving and growing over the last two World Cups.” Santiago Alzate, Colombia coach

“We played Senegal in the 2021 quarter-finals. We will play them in the group, so I feel it’s going to be tough from the off. We haven’t played much against Belarus or Colombia, they are unknowns, so that’s also going to be difficult. Japan need to take it one game at a time and fight together as a team.” Takuya Akaguma, Japan forward