Norway and Turkey, in turn, hope to get the ticket as one of the best second-ranked teams
Jackson saves Catania-bound England against Turkey
England ensured top spot in Division B Group Two with victory on penalties against Turkey as they booked their ticket to the Promotion Final in Catania.
A goal apiece from Temple and S.Ahmet preceded a goalless extra-time period before Jackson’s saved proved crucial in the shoot-out.
He denied Cem Keskin, while O’Neill, O’Rourke and Farquharson all scored, handing the Three Lions first place and a spot in Catania.
In an end-to-end start, neither side managed to create a clear-cut opening until Temple found the top left corner with the first chance of the game.
That separated the sides going into a second period that proved just as tight with opportunities at a premium aside from two Clarke set-pieces and a fierce drive over the bar from S. Ahmet.
England goalkeeper Humm denied Baris early in the final period but S. Ahmet eventually dragged Turkey level with a low finish, prompting a thrilling finale.
Lawson cleared off the England line while Temple headed wide but neither side could avoid extra time or penalties, as Jackson saved Cem Keskin’s spot-kick while his English team-mates each registered to ensure their place in Catania.
Goals: 1-0: Temple, min. 4 (1); 1-1: S. Ahmet, min. 8 (3)
Penalties: O’Neill (ENG) scored, Cem Keskin (TUR) saved, O’Rourke (ENG) scored, Recep (TUR) scored, Farquharson (ENG) scored
Norway’s comeback fall short and the Czech Republic fly to Promotion Final
Just one goal made the difference in the decisive clash between Czech Republic and Norway. The Czech managed to get ahead in the score and resist the Norwegian reaction, thus securing the chance to fight for a Division A spot in the Euro Beach Soccer League Promotion Final in Catania next August.
Czech Republic seemed to be marching to the Promotion final, following a 2-0 run in the first period, but Norway wanted to make the most of their chances, too. After some years of bitter results, the Vikings saw a great opportunity in this Euro Beach Soccer League Sanxenxo 2016 and, being just one victory away of Catania, would fight until the very last breath.
Target man Salveson pulled one back for the Norwegian in the last seconds of the first period, to keep just one goal down coming into the second frame. But in that second leg, the Czechs widened the gap again, with two goals that pushed the score to 4-1.
Norway kept trying, cutting the distance again every time the Czechs scored, but that seemed not enough to get things where they would like them to be. Nergaard put Norway just one goal away, with two minutes to go, but the remaining time was not enough for the Norwegians to complete the assault.
The 5-4, then, has Czech Republic securing one spot in the Euro Beach Soccer League Promotion Final, while Norway will need to wit to see if they snatch a berth as one of the best second-ranked teams in this Division B pool.
Goals: 1-0: Radosta, min. 8 (1); 2-0: Salak, min. 1 (1); 2-1: Salveson, min. 0 (1); 3-1: Salak, min. 5 (2); 4-1: Brath (og), min. 5 (2); 4-2: Li, min. 1 (2); 4-3: Nergaard, min. 1(2); 5-3: Vyhnal, min. 0 (2); 5-4: Nergaard, min. 2 (3);
EURO BEACH SOCCER LEAGUE SANXENXO 2016
Sunday 10.07.16
12.30 – England 1(3)1-(1)Turkey (Div B, Group 2)
13.45 – Czech Republic 5-4 Norway (Div B, Group 1)
Final standings:
Group 1
CHAMPIONS: CZECH REPUBLIC (Qualified for the EBSL Promotion Final 2016)
Runner-up: Norway
3rd place: Netherlands
Group 2
CHAMPIONS: ENGLAND (Qualified for the EBSL Promotion Final 2016)
Runner-up: Turkey
3rd place: Andorra
