Both qualified for FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and CONMEBOL Qualy final after bending Colombia and Venezuela in semifinals
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna/Italy 2011 will not need to regret the absence of the kings of the sport, Brazil. The Verdeamarela squad booked their place into the global showcase after bending surprising newcomers Colombia (6-2) in their semifinals clash today in the Arena Copacanana, in Rio de Janeiro. Together with them, Argentina bent Venezuela to get onto the World Cup train, as well, securing the presence of another of the regular contenders in the biggest festival.
Albiceleste and Vinotinto opened the day with the first semifinal. The Argentineans, although relying on their wider tradition and their continental experience, regarded their opponents distrustfully. And they did well, as the Venezuelans had caused some upset in the previous stages of the tournament and were also close to do real harm to Argentina when stepping 1-2 ahead at the beginning of the last period. To avoid a long suffering Dallera equalized immediately afterwards, although the Tango side could not secure their place into the final, and, consequently, in the World Cup, until the last minutes of the game, when Franceschini scored the final 3-2.
Brazil had not that many troubles to advance to the last game and to earn their right to defend their crown in Ravenna. Colombia got the closest to the ‘Tetracampeao’ when Moshamer cut the 2-0 distance with a free kick. André got the Brazilians back on the right track with Daniel to follow for the 4-1 before first break. Current champions had found again their place on the sand, what makes them almost invincible, and quickly after second time’s kick-off Bruno Malias made it 5-1 with his twelfth goal in the tournament. Moshamer replied again, But Anderson finished the game with the sixth goal for Brazil (their 50th in the tournament!)
So, with their tickets already secured, Brazil and Argentina will face again in the real “clasico” of the South American football. Both sides reach this CONMEBOL Qualifier final without having lost a single point, and the match will be a tough battle, regardless the fact that stats point Brazil as absolute favourite. Soare’s side should not rely too much in figures…
In turn, Colombia and Venezuela will fight in the 3rd/4th place play-off for the last of the chances to get to their first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup ever. New faces coming to Ravenna!
Game results:
31.07.11
Venezuela 05 vs. 02 Perú
Paraguay 01 vs. 14 Brazil
01.08.11
Argentina 04 vs. 03 Ecuador
Chile 06 vs. 03 Paraguay
Colombia 03(01) vs. 03(00) Uruguay
Brasil 13 Vs. 01 Perú
02.08.11
Argentina 02 vs. 00 Colombia
Perú 05 vs. 09 Paraguay
Uruguay 08 vs. 02 Ecuador
Venezuela 03 vs. 02 Chile
03.08.11
12:00 Ecuador 04 vs. 09 Colombia
13:15 Venezuela 07 vs 08 Paraguay
14:30 Uruguay 03 vs 05 Argentina
15:45 Brazil 10 vs. 04 Chile
04.08.11
Chile 05(00) vs. 05(01) Perú
Brasil 07 vs. 00 Venezuela
06.08.11
Argentina 03 vs. 02 Venezuela (Semi-final 1)
Brasil 06 vs. 02 Colombia (Semi-final 2)
07.08.11
11:15 Venezuela vs. Colombia (Play- off ¾)
12:30 Argentina vs. Brasil (Final)
