Euro Winners Cup gets to know its best 8

Kristall, Lokomotiv, Artur Music, Sable Dancers, Goldwin Pluss, Milano, SC Braga and hosts Catania to fight for semi-finals berth

1st penalties match gives Artur Music victory

The 3(6)-3(5) penalties win for Artur Music of Ukraine over Grembach Lodz of Poland was exactly how beach soccer is meant to be played, fast, emotionally, and with both offense and defense. The win will matches Artur Music up against  Sable Dancers on Saturday in the quarterfinals. Reaching the final eigh was not the only goal for the Ukrainians as they hope to advance to the semifinals and eventually the finals. Despite their starpower, the Polish club was unable to move on though you can rest assured they will use this loss as motivation for their next matches.

Players hurried from end to end as the opening minutes ticked away, but the rock-like defense kept either side from scoring until the big legged Saganowski of Grembach slotted one home for the 1-0 lead. The second period saw an opening in the offenses as Artur Music went on the attack more but allowed one more goal in the middle frame, although they scored late to cut the lead in half at 1-2, heading into the last break.

The final period, with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line, was absolutely exciting than, as both teams advanced, took shots on goal, and the Ukrainian team leveled things early in the period, creating an even tenser atmosphere on the field. The Polish side broke the tie but a late penalty conversion from Artur Music knotted things at 3 and that is how things would stand heading into overtime. The overtime period was thrilling with both teams going on the attack though no one was able to score and the match headed into penalties. In penalties, teams exchanged goals and blocks and in dramatic fashion, Artur Music blocked the last Grembach kick and connected on their last boot to seal go-through.

Goals: 0-1: Saganowski, min. 2 (1); 0-2: Stankovic, min. 6 (2); 1-2: I. Borsuk, min. 1 (2); 2-2: Zborovskyi, min. 11 (3); 2-3: Stankovic, min. 6 (3); 3-3: Korniichuk, min. 6 (3).

Penalties: Saganowski, goal; Korniichuk, goal; Ziober, goal; Rysenko, goal; Salanowsky, block; Mosgovyy, block; Taraszkowski, goal; Butko, goal; Music, goal; I. Borsuk, goal; Widzicki, goal; Budzko, goal; Wydmuszek, block; A. Borsuk, goal.

Goldwin Pluss forces their way to next round

The 5-3 win for Goldwin Pluss Bodon FC of Hungary over Bate Borisov of Belarus was a thing of beauty as they took part in one of the best see-saw matches of the tournament. They found themselves losing, tied, and winning and they held off a late rally for Bate to win. Goldwin will now play Milano BS, who defeated BS Bohemians in the Round of 16, on Saturday, with the winner earning the right to play in the semi-finals. Bate Borisov will have to watch from the stands but there is always hope for next year and they will surely build on their admirable performances this tournament.

Action improved as the period progressed with both sides scoring goals and keeping the other on their toes with deft passing and stout defense. Bate Borisov began the period down by one but quickly restored order to even the score at 2, however both teams scored again to make the score 3-3 going into the final break.

The last frame began quickly with the Hungarian club taking advantage of a defensive miscue and scoring to take the lead, 3-4. The squad from Belarus hustled to find the equalizer but could not as Goldwin Pluss found the back of the net again, to go up two and they salvaged a one goal victory, after Bate’s final and insufficient 4-5.

Goals: 1-0: Malarevich, min. 8 (1); 1-1; Berkes, min. 6 (1); 1-2; Fekete, min. 4 (1); 2-2: Kovalenko, min. 7 (2); 3-2: Coimbra(OG), min. 3 (2); 3-3: Spaca, min. 0 (2); 3-4: Vernyik, min. 9 (3); 3-5: Coimbra, min. 4 (3); 4-5: Zhechko, min. 1 (3).

Milano eliminates Bohemians and advances to quarterfinals

The 3-2 victory for the Italian giants, Milano BS, over the Czech side, BS Bohemians 1905, was just as exciting as it was tight. The tension could be cut with a knife as both sides played tentatively, then loose, and then just right as neither side wanted to go home without at least another shot at reaching the final. The game was evenly matched from the get-go and it was not until the final minute of the final period that BS Bohemians scored what seemed like the decider, but then they gave up two goals at almost the last possible moments to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Winners earlier in the day, Goldwin Pluss Bodon FC from Hungary will face off against Milano in the next round.

Neither side were able to score in the first period but it was due to stellar defense and not a lack of offense, in part due to spectacular goalkeeping. The scoreboard would not keep gooseeggs for long as only minutes into the middle frame, both sides were able to score and the score was 1-1 going into the last period.

The final minutes had some of the most dynamic beach soccer play you can ask for, with nothing separating the two teams until a goal in the final minutes gave BS Bohemians the 2-1 lead. Milan answered in the final minute to tie the game. Merely seconds later, with only moments left, Eudin scored again directly from a corner kick for Milano, beautifully, to secure their advancement.

Goals: 1-0: Amarelle, min. 11 (2); 1-1; Bocek, min. 7 (2); 1-2: Stejskal, min. 6 (3); 2-2: Eudin, min. 1 (3); 3-2: Eudin, min. 0 (3).

Kristall battles through Marseille to Quarters

The 7-1 win for the Russian league champions, BSC Kristall over the Marseille Beach Team from France was far closer than the score indicates as the fate of both teams teetered back and forth in the tight second and third periods. The Russian side was able to mostly suffocate the French sides´ attacks but the French club did not relent and pushed Kristall utilize all their resources to suppress Marseille. Kristall will play in the quarter-finals against BSC Lokomotiv on Saturday. Marseille can hand their hats on their gritty performances and advancement to the Round of 16.

The first period brought the crowd to their feet with magnificent bicycle kicks and cat-like reflex saves though it wasn’t until the middle of the period that the Russian team broke through with two goals. In spite of the two goal deficit, the French team opened the second period looking very comfortable and were taking their chances on goal, though nothing hit the back of the net until late in the period and they headed into the final break down 3-1. The Russian squad opened the final frame showing why they are one of the favourites to win the Cup as they scored quickly and often to keep a safe distance from the French side.

Goals: 1-0: Betinho, min. 5 (1); 2-0: Romanov, min. 4 (1); 3-0: Romanov, min. 5 (2); 3-1: Mendy, min. 3 (2); 4-1: Datinha, min. 11 (3); 5-1: Datinha, min. 5 (3); 6-1: Bruno Xavier, min. 2 (3); 7-1: Bruno Xavier, min. 0 (3).

Lokomotiv keep marching to objective

There is only one way Lokomotiv Moscow see themselves taking the plain back home on Monday… with the Cup already on their hands. With a solid win over Spanish champions Aluminios Sotelo, the Muscovite sent out the message that they only think about reediting the continental throne they clinched last year in San Benedetto del Tronto, and whoever wants to take it from them will need to do a great job.

Aluminios Sotelo offered a tight resistance all through the game, despite what the score seems to draw. Indeed, only a free kick by Belchior could help the Muscovite open the score, in the dying seconds of the first frame. That hit destabilized the Spaniards, who immediately took a second, again by Belchior. First break helped Sotelo pull themselves together again, and get ready to keep fighting. And so they did, cutting down the distance on two occasions to reach the end of the second period just one goal down. Before the hooter, though, Madjer took advantage of a free kick right over the box line, and sealed the 4-2.

The hugely experienced team Lokomotiv Moscow are used the third period to control the game, save efforts, and profit any chance they might have to widen the distance. With two more goals in the last leg, Lokomotiv secured their go-through, and will now take on Russian rivals Kristall for a place in the semifinals.

Goals:  1-0: Belchior, min. 1 (1); 2-0: Belchior, min. 1 (1); 2-1: Fran Mejías, min. 11 (2); 3-1: Shaykov, min. 11 (2); 3-2: Lucio, min. 2 (2); 4-2: Madjer, min. 0 (2); 5-2: Leonov, min. 10 (3); Fernando DDI min. 4 (3).

Sable Dancers waltz into next round

The 3-0 win for Sable Dancers was a great example of beach soccer team defense and precision offense. The victim of the Swiss machine was the Turkish champion Seferihisar CittaSlow, who played an extremely well match but just could not convert on their attempts. The Sable Dancers will face earlier winner, Artur Music, in the quarterfinals, which are set to begin Saturday morning. Serferihisar seemed poised for another deep run next year assuming they stay in the driver seat in their Turkish national league.

The Swiss squad has played a near perfect tournament thus far and opened the first period in the Round of 16 with a quick goal to add to that idea, stay perfect. The Turkish team limited the Sable Dancers’ chances and went into the first break down 1-0. The middle period was more evidence that Serferihisar was not daunted or intimidated by the beach soccer leaders in Switzerland as they attacked and attacked, yet defended well, albeit, Sable Dancers scored one more goal to double their lead. Closing in on a quarterfinals berth looked more and more likely as the final period ticked away and the Turkish club could not unlock the key to the Sable Dancers defense.
 
Goals: 1-0: Schirinzi, min. 10 (1); 2-0: Zabaste, min. 5 (2); 3-0: Mesh, min. 5 (3).

Braga heads to quarterfinals with win

The 2-0 win for SC Braga from Portugal over the club from Israel, Falfala Kfar Qassem was a low scoring affair but there was no shortage of action and excitement. With an amazing goalkeeper and an athletic defense, Braga was able to stifle the Israeli side and score as well, to make sure they were the ones left standing on the way to the next round, to be played Saturday morning. Braga will be facing Catania BS/ASD Terracina in the quarterfinals. Falfala was one of the 16 best clubs from 25 of Europe´s best so making it this far is a welcome consolation for any club team.

SC Braga opened up the scoring in the first frame by patiently waiting for their chance and striking, the defense then took over, starting with the worlds´ best keeper, FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2013 adidas Golden Glove winner, Dona of Spain, who maintained a shutout. Control remained in the hands of the Portuguese squad as the period progressed though neither they nor the Israeli team scored early, but late in the period, the Portuguese side added another goal to go up 2-0 going into the final period. With the help of the solid back line of Braga, the score remained the same as the Portuguese club was destined for the quarterfinals.

Goals: 1-0: Miguel, min. 4 (1); 2-0: Jordan, min. 4 (2).

Catania refuses to lose, secures final spot in quarters

The 3-2 win for Catania BS over ASD Terracina was thrilling as both teams from Italy had supporters and played as if their lives were on the line. The final minutes included a Catania goal to take the lead, a saved penalty shot by the Catania keeper, and continual strikes from all sides of the pitch from Terracina. In the quarterfinals, beginning on Saturday, the hosts will play SC Braga who had their own tough match earlier in the day. The loss will be a tough one to swallow, as all losses are at this stage, but to an inter-country rival makes it even more difficult. Terracina will regroup and utilize their weapons to get better and make a deeper run next year.

The first period had all the perfect conditions for a strong start from the home team, Catania, perfect weather, high energy, and an excited crowd, and sure enough, the host side delivered with an early goal. The visitors were not fazed and responded with their own goal a few minutes later. The second period began just the first one began, tied, but shortly into the frame Terracina took their first lead of the match at 2-1. The lead would not last long as the Catania side struck again to tie it at 2, which is how the period would end. In a game that no one wanted the end, the fans and the players alike, the final period was just as even as the rest until the final minutes when Catania netted another go ahead goal.

Goals: 1-0: Platania, min. 8 (1); 1-1: Llorenç, min. 5 (1); 1-2: Vitale, min. 11 (2); 2-2: Platania, min. 1 (2); 3-2: Zurlo, min. 5 (3).

EURO WINNERS CUP 2014

Match Results:
Friday, 6th of June, 2014
Artur Music 3(6)-3(5) Grembach Lodz
Bate Borisov 4-5 Goldwin Pluss Bodon FC
Milano BS 3-2 BS Bohemians 1905
BSC Kristall 7-1 Marseille Beach Team
BSC Lokomotiv 6-2 Aluminios Sotelo
Sable Dancers 3-0 Seferihisar CittaSlow
SC Braga 2-0 Falfala Kfar Qassem
Catania BS 3-2 ASD Terracina

Upcoming Matches:
Saturday, 7th of June, 2014

QUARTERFINALS
9:00 – BSC Kristall vs. BSC Lokomotiv (M 45)
10:15 – Artur Music vs. Sable Dancers (M 46)
11:30 – Goldwin Pluss Bodon FC vs. Milano BS (M 47)
12:45 – SC Braga vs. Catania BS (M 48)

SEMIFINALS
17:30 – Loser Match 45 vs. Loser Match 46
17:30 – Winner Match 45 vs. Winner Match 46
18:45 – Loser Match 47 vs. Loser Match 48
18:45 – Winner Match 47 vs. Winner Match 48

Latest News

All news +

Official partners