"We're obviously happy and proud, but I'm not overly surprised by the result," UAE forward Hasan Alhammadi told FIFA.com afterwards. "Tahiti are obviously a good team, but we have nothing to be ashamed of in comparison. Our team has quality, and we'll try to prove that for as long as we can here at this World Cup."

A quick glance at the Beach Soccer Worldwide rankings suggests a UAE win was anything but predictable, despite Alhammadi's confidence. So too the scoreline of the last World Cup meeting between the sides, a 3-2 success for Tahiti at the 2013 edition. Indeed, their Moscow reunion looked to be heading for a similar conclusion when the Tiki Toa made the more purposeful start.

After taking in some of the most mesmerising solo goals last week, we turn our attention to volleys and half-volleys to recall some of the fine strikes the 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage witnessed.

Some of our selection have been caught on the bounce, while others have been struck without the ball touching the ground, but what cannot be argued is that all five are worthy of enjoying again and again.

Stars from Japan, Korea Republic, Islamic Republic of Iran and Australia are all featured in the first edition of the new season of our weekly look at Asia’s best performers outside the continent, with our 10 nominees combining for nine goals between them.

Study our list of contenders – based on matches from August 11 to 17 – and don’t forget to cast your vote.

Inactive since the previous update in June, DPR Korea climbed to ninth because of the lower updated points totals of other sides, including Australia and Japan.

Australia dropped two places from ninth to 11th despite reaching the semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics, while Japan’s quarter-final finish at the Games saw them dip from 11th to 13th.

Bangladesh's Bashundhara Kings take on JSW Bengaluru FC of India with the 2016 runners-up knowing defeat would see them eliminated, while Maldivian hosts Maziya Sports R&C face a similar prospect when they face India's ATK Mohun Bagan in the day's late game.

Bashundhara got off to a positive start after opening their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Maldives’ Maziya Sports R&C while Bengaluru suffered defeat with a similar scoreline against Indian rivals ATK Mohun Bagan on Wednesday.

Victory for Bashundhara will take them a step closer to reaching the knockout stage while Bengaluru must win to stay in contention.

ATK Mohun Bagan are joint-leaders with Bangladesh's Bashundhara Kings after securing opening day wins against JSW Bengaluru FC and Maziya respectively on Wednesday.