Epírito Santo became the new Brazilian Champions after bending São Paulo with an extra time hit. This last act of the competition was a new instance of the great competitiveness and balance of the whole event, facing two great teams that offered a new capsule of thrilling Beach Soccer spectacle.
As almost expected in finals, the contenders were cautious during the first compasses of the game. In the fifth minute of the second period, though, Madjer managed the opener for the Paulista , only to find Bruno’s reply for Espírito Santo three minutes afterwards. Again the scoreboard was tied at the beginning of the last twelve minutes. It was the capibaixa side this time the one to get ahead, thanks to Bruno Xavier, and the script read the same again, turning roles this time, and letting Madjer the equalizer-scorer one.
The game was sent into the extra time for the final decision, and nerves were barely contained within the players, and the fans, waiting for the resolution. Almost reaching the second minute, the bounce on the sand decisively deflected Bruno Xavier’s shot, confusing Mão, and beginning the party for Espírito Santo.
This was the fifth time that both sides reached the Brazilian final, with a clear advantage for the Paulista squad (3-1). But Espírito Santo was confident enough to listen not to numbers and stats and jumped onto the field with their mind on the Cup. After this victory, the capibaixa add the fourth trophy to their records.
After a really hard semifinals clash against Maranhão (2-1), São Paulo could then not add their seventh Cup to their tally after their eight final. Espírito Santo, in turn reached their seventh final after an authority display against Rio Grande do Norte (3-6), thanks to big guys Buru, with a hat trick, Bruno, with a double and Rui.
Final Standings:
01 – Espírito Santo
02 – São Paulo
03 – Rio Grande do Norte
04 – Maranhão
05 – Bahia
06 – Pernambuco
07 – Distrito Federal
08 – Rio de Janeiro
09 – Goiás
10 – Alagoas
11 – Sergipe
12 – Rio Grande do Sul
13 – Ceará
14 – Paraná
15 – Paraíba
16 – Tocantins
Individual awards
• “Fair Play” Team- Paraíba
• Best new referee – Antônio Bruno (CBBS-SE)
• Best referee – Felipe Varejão (FIFA-ES)
• Best new coach – Francisco Castello Branco “Chicão” (Maranhão)
• Best coach – Andrey Valério da SIlva (Rio Grande do Norte)
• Best Goalkeeper – Mão (São Paulo)
• Top scorer – Juninho (Pernambuco) – 13 Gols
• MVP – Bruno Malias (ES)
