Favorites play their role in Catania as every team still keeps full chances to advance
Melistar earns first points at stake in Catania
Pablo and Chiqui inspired Melistar to a 9-2 win over Cartel Waterloo in the first game of the Euro Winners Cup in Catania.
Goalkeeper Crristian registered the first goal of the competition after two minutes from range but the Melistar stopper conceded soon after as both goalkeepers registered early on in the Group B clash.
And the goals continued to flow as Waterloo went ahead through Valette but the game continued to see-saw as Melistar’s equaliser was followed by an acrobatic strike from Pablo in the final minute of the period.
Pablo had his second five minutes into the second period when he curled in a free-kick and Chiqui extended the advantage with a fine quickfire brace as Melistar began to pull clear.
Pablo completed his hat-trick from close range and Christian scored his second before the final period and Melistar’s attacking momentum continued as Chiqui completed his treble.
Callers followed up a rebound and Vlaminck angled in his first as Waterloo sought to wrestle the game back – Seguin rattling the crossbar – but it proved too little, too late as Melistar claimed the first points of the competition.
Goals: 0-1: Cristian, min. 10 (1); 1-1: Starlit, min. 9 (1)1,9 ), 1-2: Valette, min. 9 (1) 2-3: Pablo, min. 1 (1); 2-4: Pablo: min. 7 (2); 2-5: Chiqui, min. 4 (2); 2-6: Chiqui, min. 3 (2); 2-7: Pablo, min. 1 (2); 2-8: Cristian, min. 1 (2); 2-9: Chiqui, min. 11 (3); 3-9: Callens, min. 11 (3); 4-9: Vlaminck, min. 5 (3)
Bate Borisov resists Atlas reaction
Bate Borisov showcased their beach soccer experience in their debut against Greek side Atlas AO. The Belarusian side, who have always performed at a high level in the Euro Winners Cup, didn’t miss the chance to clinch the first points at stake against the brave and consistent Hellenic team.
Bate hit first, with two goals by Kamzolov and Alex that helped them build a safety cushion. The Greek side kept fighting, knowing that one goal got them back on the fight. But the Belarusian champions managed to reply quickly every single time their opponents cut the distance. Despite reaching the last period only one goal ahead, Samsonov’s goal in the last minutes finally secured Bate’s win.
Goals: 0-1: Kamzolov, min, 2 (1); 0-2: Alex David, min. 7 (2); 1-2: Pasaris, min. 6 (2); 1-3: Makarevich, min. 5 (2); 2-3: Tsitsaris, min. 2 (2); 2-4: Samsonov, min. 5 (3).
Baselland on the charge with resounding opening win
Baseband Chargers got up and running in style as they saw off Copenhagen 13-3 in the opening game of Group H.
Chargers were on top early on, striking the woodwork twice before skipper Spacca turned in from close range.
Jorgensen saw a free-kick tipped wide by Valentin for Copenhagen while Bryan again struck the post before Wittlin had a goal disallowed for handball in the build-up.
An Albek handball allowed Sailer to double the advantage with a free-kick but again Chargers were denied by the post, prior to Bernardo dispatching his side’s second.
A looping Mo effort caught out Skytte while the Copenhagen keeper could do little about opposite number Valentin’s stunning effort or Bryan’s free-kick before the end of the first period.
Sailer had his goal early in the second period in acrobatic fashion before Spacca extended the lead. But Copenhagen had their first when captain Larsen shot from range to bear Valentin.
After a strong spell from the Danish side, Mo broke the resistance once more but Copenhagen stood firm and had their second when Larsen fired home after being fouled by Valentin and Spacca.
Gram reduced the arrears further before the third period but a defensive mix-up allowed Spacca his hat-trick early in the third period before Bryan took the scoreline into double figures with a clever angled finish.
When Skytte brought down Bryan, the forward completed his treble before Bernardo rounded off a resounding victory for the Swiss outfit with a late brace.
Goals: 1-0: Spacca, min 9 (1st); 2-0: Bernardo, min 4 (1st); 3-0: Mo, min 3 (1st); 4-0: Valentin, min 0 (1st); 5-0: Bryan, min 0, (1st); 6-0: Sailer, min 10 (2nd); 7-0 Spacca min 10 (2nd); 7-1: Larsen, min 8 (2nd); 8-1: Mo, min 4 (2nd); 8-2: Larsen, min. 3 (2nd); 8-3: Gram, min. 1 (2nd); 9-3: Spacca, min. 12 (3rd); 10-3: Bryan, min 7 (3rd); 11-3: Bryan, min 3 (3rd); 12-3: Bernardo, min 1 (3rd); 13-3: Bernardo, min 0 (3rd)
Performer takes care of business after early scare
ACS Performer Constanta moved top of a fledgling Group G when they moved past WKR Santos 7-3 on Monday.
Evans got Santos off to an ideal start when he struck the opener from kick-off, but 14 levelled soon after in a keenly contested opening spell.
Both Boata and Jackson in each goal were called on to keep the scores level but the latter was eventually beaten when Raj deflected a long-range effort in from close range late in the opening period.
Performer pulled further clear when Movi tucked home his first of the tournament and three became four when Tase rattled home from off the post.
Corbett hit the post for Santos when his lob almost paid off 4 but Performer extended the lead when Mansfield failed to keep Poste’s effort out.
Poste made the most of a defensive slip-up to get his second after the restart but Bowes gave Santos hope once more when he fired home a free-kick late in the final period.
Zaharia tapped in after Jackson failed to hold a shot as Performer saw out the game smartly, despite a late effort from Santos’ 3, moving top of Group G in the process.
Goals: 0-1: Evans, min 11 (1st); 1-1: Florca, min 11 (1st); 2-1: Raj, min 2 (1st); 3-1: Movi, min 10 (2nd); 4-1: Tase, min 7 (2nd); 5-1: Poste, min 2 (2nd); 6-1 Poste, min 9 (3rd); 6-2: Bowes, min 8 (3rd); 7-2: Zaharia, min 6 (3rd); 7-3: Morris, 0 mins (3rd)
Solid Gyongyos leaves Portsmouth no option
If anyone might wonder why was Gyongyos one of the seeded teams in this Euro Winners Cup, the doubts must have quickly vanished after seeing the Hungarian champions play this afternoon. The Magyar side stormed past England’s Portsmouth BSC, with a terrific performance by both Brazilian former international Bruno Malias and youngster Viktor Túros, with three goals each.
ESC Gyogyos utilised their offensive talent to almost define the game in the first period. The Hungarian found the back of Pompey’s nets on five occasions during the first leg, with J.Wood pulling one back for his team. After that, things became more comfortable for Gyongyos, who widened the gap with four more goals. Portsmouth’s reply, with two goals in the last minute, was too little, too late, to do any harm.
Goals: 0-1: Túros, min. 8 (1); 0-2: Bruno, min. 3 (1); 1-2: J.Wood, min. 2 (1); 1-3: Túros, min. 2 (1); 1-4: Túros, min. 2 (1); 1-5: Mauricinho, min. 2 (2); 1-6: Szacsko, min. 10 (3); 1-7: Bruno, min. 9 (3); 1-8: Bruno, min. 9 (3); 1-9: Mauricinho, min. 8 (3); 2-9: Butchy, min. 8 (3); 2-10: Bruno, min. 0 (3); 3-10: P.Wood, min. 0 (3)
SC Braga flexes muscles for loud win over Djoker
In their very first game in the competition, Sporting Clube de Braga already showcased why they are to be considered one of the favourites of the competition. The Portuguese champions, with many world champions on the pitch, gave CS Djoker no option at all.
A 0-3 run during the first period left things fairly unbalanced already. Djoker were unable to counteract the Portuguese offensive power, and they could not find any crack on their rear-guard either, and goals kept falling ,always on the same end. The final 0-7 confirms that SC Braga targets the highest honours this year in Catania.
Goals: 0-1: Be Martins, min. 9 (1); 0-2: , min. 6 (1); 0-3: Be Martins, min. 3 (1); 0-4: Amarelle, min. 8 (2); 0-5: Be Martins, min. 6 (2); 0-6: , min. 10 (3); 0-7: Jose Maria, min. 1 (3);
Alanyasport resist Igol’s will
A Rebzdys hat-trick proved in vain for BSC Igol as Alanyaspor eventually showed their quality to prevail 6-3 and claim their first points of the competition.
Alanyaspor came into the competition with an array of attacking quality in their squad but it was goalkeeper Multu who struck first, firing into the top corner inside the first minute.
Igol rallied however and almost levelled courtesy of Blazys’ overhead kick.
The Lithuanian outfit turned the game on its head in the space of a minute as Rebzdys rounded Multu and prodded in before the same man looked to have sent his side into the second period in front.
Baric had other ideas however and the sides were level ahead of the restart – the second period proving keenly contested as temperatures soared.
Novickov struck the post from distance for Igol while Madjer brought a smart save from Raguaskas at the other end.
However, the only goal of the second period came 20 seconds from the end as Volkan shot low past Ragauskas.
Volkan was at it again a quarter of the way into the final period and determination from Cem allowed him to make it 5-2 as Alanyaspor pulled clear.
Rebzdys again tapped in from close range after Dudenas struck the bar – giving Igol hope – but Madjer got his first of the competition to snuff out any chance of a Lithuanian fightback.
Goals: 0-1: Multu, min 11 (1st); 1-1: Rebzdys, min 6 (1st); 2-1 Rebzdys, min 6 (1st); 2-2: Baric, min 11 (1st); 2-3: Volkan, min 0 (2nd); 2-4: Volkan, min 8 (3rd); 2-5: Cem, min 6 (3rd); 3-5: Rebzdys min 3 (3rd); 6-3: Madjer, min 0 (3rd).
Dinamo Batumi’s reaction falls one goal short
BSC Peugeot edged a nine-goal thriller against Dinamo Batumi, with Raku’s stunning strike the pick of the goals in their 5-4 Group E win.
There were just over two minutes on the clock when Edu Suarez fired low past Lukk to give Dinamo the lead but Peugeot drew level soon after through Purje.
And Purje gave the Estonian side the lead when he battled in the box to prod home and give Peugeot the lead at the break, an advantage reduced when Ivaniadze acrobatically registered his side’s equaliser after the restart.
But Tammo restored the winning cushion when he glanced in Lukk’s effort and those watching were given reason to celebrate when 5 found the top corner from a difficult angle out wide to put Peugeot back in the driving seat.
Edu Suarez scored at the wrong end prior to the third period as Batumi slipped further behind in unfortunate fashion.
The forward made amends when he scored in the right net late in the second period but Dinamo initially struggled to make inroads after the restart.
But Edu Suarez remained lively and prodded in his hat-trick goal with six minutes remaining to fuel Dinamo hopes.
However, some committed last-ditch defending from Peugeot saw them home as they did enough to claim the points.
Goals: 0-1: Edu Suarez, min 9 (1st); 1-1: Purje, min 9 (1st); 2-1: Purje, min 1 (1st); 2-2: Ivaniadze, min 11 (2nd); 3-2 Tammo, min 10 (2nd); 4-2: Raku, min 7 (2nd); 5-2: Edu Suarez (OG) min 6 (2nd); 5-3 Edu Suarez, min 2 (2nd); 5-4: Edu Suarez, min 6 (3rd)
Makarov seals narrow win for Lokomotiv over Grembach
To no one’s surprise, the game between Russian Lokomotiv and Poland’s Grembach Lodz was a truly contested battle. Just one goal made the difference between these two powerhouses, who have become two regulars in beach soccer’s most prestigious continental club event.
Fernando nodded a ball in to push 2013’s champions in command, but Rangel, midway second period brought on an amazing bicycle kick to balance things back. Everything was to be decided in the last period, an Makarov took care of business early in the frame for his side and fired a ball home to earn the victory for Lokomotiv.
Goals: Fernando, min. 9 (1); 1-1: Rangel, min. 3 (2); 1-2: Makarov, min. 11 (3)
Swiss duo inspire Artur Music
Artur’s Music win over Omida Hemako Sztutowo had a very “swiss” flavour today. Three goals by Noel Ott and one by Dejan Stankovic sealed the win for the Ukrainian champions. The solid display by Artur’s backbone, mostly shaped by Ukraine’s internationals, was the perfect platform for the talented alpine forwards to take off.
Despite the game was fiercely contested for most of the first half, two goals in the second leg, and two more in the third one, unbalanced things to the Ukrainina side. Grzegorczyk pulled one back for the Polish team, but the challenge was not enough to make Artur’s dominion tremble.
Goals: 0-1: Stankovic, min. 8 (2); 0-2: Ott, min. 4 (2); 0-3: Ott, min. 9 (3); 0-4: Ott, min. 4 (3); 1-4: Grzegorczyk, min. 2 (3)
Moad and Dino punish Odesos
Impressive displays from Moad and Dino helped Falfala Kfar Qassem to an 8-2 win against FC Odesos in Group D on Monday.
The deadlock was broken thanks largely to impressive early running from Dino – the midfielder eventually crossing for Moad to nod home in the centre after two minutes.
Dino continued to prove the dangerman for Falfala early on but Moad applied the finishing touch once more when he turned and fired home
Nikolov saw Odesos two free-kicks saved by S.Abed due to encroachment but Falfala were in control for much of the opening period.
That dominance was punctured when Stefanov’s effort was helped by a fortunate bump in the sand and beat R.Oda to halve the deficit.
And when Mladenov struck a low free-kick into the far corner, R.Oda was beaten again midway through the second period.
Moad spurned an ideal chance to restore the lead when he sent a free-kick wide soon after but Yatim made no such mistake after he was fouled, sending a strike flying past Mara before Dino also got on the scoresheet in the final minute of the period.
Another Moad set-piece maintained Falfala momentum after the restart with the forward adding to his haul when his strike deflected over Mara and in.
S.Adam extended the advantage with a sidefoot finish and things got worse for Odesos when Mara was shown a second yellow card, his replacement Milkov unable to deny Dino.
But the Israeli side saw out a relatively fiesty contest with some ease in the end to make a strong start in Group D.
Goals: 1-0: Moad, min 10 (1st); 2-0: Moad, min 6 (1st); 2-1: Stefanov, min 10 (2nd); 2-2: Mladenov; 3-2: Yatim, min 0 (2nd); 4-2 Dino, min 0 (2nd); 5-2: Moad, min 10 (3rd); 6-2: Moad, min 9 (3rd); 7-2: S.Adam, min 7 (3rd); 8-2 :Dino, min 6 (3rd).
Gori leads the way for Viareggio against gutsy Rostocker
A four-goal haul from Gori helped Viareggio hold off a spirited effort from Rostocker Robben as the Italian side ran out 6-3 winners in Group C.
Viareggio made the perfect start when Gori’s long-range effort found the net inside a minute, with the forward adding to the lead from a tight angle soon after.
The Italian side continued apace and pulled further clear when Ozu found the bottom corner but Gori was the thorn in the side for Rostocker – completing his hat-trick with a set-piece before the end of the first period.
Potke then tested Carpita when play resumed before Thurk finished well from a corner to get Rostocker on the board.
But Remedi provided an ideal response when his free-kick restored the four-goal cushion with a well-placed defender able to deny Gori a fourth from a smart overhead kick.
However, Gori was not to be denied a fourth – making it 6-1 with a stunning acrobatic effort midway through the second period.
A timely Ozu interception denied Schmitt early in the final third while a fingertip save from Carpita thwarted Potke as Rostocker searched for a way back into the contest.
Schmitt eventually provided that hope with left-footed volley while Bullerjahn hit the crossbar from distance before Lier’s glancing header kept the comeback on track.
However, Rostocker came up short despite a valiant effort, Viareggio’s strong start helping them to the points.
Goals: 0-1: Gori, min 11 (1st); 0-2: Gori, min 9 (1st); 0-3: Ozu, min 9 (1st); 0-4: Gori, min 2 (1st); 1-4: Thurk, min 11 (2nd); 5-1: Remedi, min 11 (2nd); 6-1: Gori, min 5 (2nd); 6-2: min 6 (3rd); 6-3: Liehr, min 9 (3rd)
Terracina seals win over Winti Panthers in brilliant second period
A splendid second period secured the win for defending Serie A champions ASD Terracina over Swiss side Winti Panthers in their debut in the Euro Winners Cup today. The Terracinesi had to overcome a mighty opponent that would not give up until the very last breath, but the wider experience by the Puntini got things under control before it was too late.
After a stroke exchange that left the score tied at the end of the first period, Sandro Denz rocketed a ball home to sweep his side ahead. Terracina reacted, and with a 0-4 run in the middle frame got the reins of the game. Winti fought for their last chance, but their effort only earned one goal, again by Sandro Denz, which was not enough to change things around.
Goals: 0-1: Nelito, min. 10 (1); 1-1: Stucki, min. 9 (1); 1-2: Perera, min. 8 (1); 2-2: Stahel, min. 5 (1) 3-2: S. Denz, min. 10 (2); 3-3: Palmacci, min. 9; 3-4: Olleia S., min. 8 (2); 3-5: Perera, min. 6 (2); 3-6: Oleilla S., min. 5 (2); 4-6: S. Denz, min. 9 (3)
Krylya off the mark after routine victory
Krylya Sovetov demonstrated their quality as they put BFK Zep to the sword 8-1 in a relatively comfortable display.
After an even opening spell, the deadlock was broken when Pavlenko directed his shot into the top corner after a cleared Krylya corner.
Pankratov doubled the advantage from close range before captain Bryshtel rattled home straight from kick-off in the second period and then angled a free-kick into the bottom left corner soon after.
Bokinha directed Krylya’s fifth past Vzdornovs from close range but the momentum was halted temporarily when Hohluks got Zep on the board with an overhead kick.
A saved Busels free-kick kept the sides within four goals of one another but a fine Filipe finish moved Krylya to six.
Raskin finished off a slick team move to keep the scoreboard ticking while Pankratov rounded off the scoring with his second of the evening – a well taken overhead effort that gets his side up and running in style.
Goals: 0-1: Pavlenko, min 7 (1st); 0-2: Pankratov, min 6 (1st); 0-3: Bryshtel, min 11 (2nd); 0-4: Bryshtel, min 10 (2nd); 5-0: Bokinha, min 8 (2nd); 5-1 Hohluks, min 0 (2nd); 6-1: Filipe, min 9 (3rd); 7-1 Raskin, min 7 (3rd); 8-1: Pankratov, min 5 (3rd)
Holders get defence up and running
Champions BSC Kristall got their Euro Winners Cup defence under way with a 4-2 victory over a plucky La Grande Motta Pyramide in Group B.
The French side held their own early on against the holders and saw Francois fire a free-kick wide midway through the first period.
But 34 seconds from the end, Andre held off his marker and acrobatically sent Kristall ahead to frustrate La Grande Motta.
When Dupin failed to deal with a Paporotnyi free-kick from distance, Kristall doubled their advantage but Barbotti quickly reduced the arrears with a prodded close-range finish.
Romanov was on target to make life more comfortable for the holders late in the second period but La Grande Motta struck the woodwork after the restart as they sought to stay alive.
However, Andre blasted in a free-kick to make Francois’ late strike a consolation as Kristall ground out a winning start.
Goals: 0-1: Andre, min 0 (1st); 0-2: Paporotnyi, min 10 (2nd); 1-2: Barbotti, min 8 (2nd); 1-3: Romanov, min 7 (2nd); 4-1: Andre, min 11 (3rd); 4-2: Francois, 0 min (3rd)
Dominant Catania turn on the style for home fans
Euro Winners Cup hosts DomusBet Catania proved too strong for PBS Zwolle, securing a 9-1 win to send the home fans away smiling.
In front of a packed DomusBet Arena Beach Stadium crowd, Zurlo sent Catania in front after just over a minute and Gabriel followed suit with a long-range effort to keep the home fans cheering.
Straight from the restart, Zwolle skipper Wolf got Zwolle off the mark in an end-to-end contest but Catania kept the advantage in front of goal as Zurlo added a second before Rodrigo found the target late in the period.
Gabriel again proved dangerous from distance when he added his second in emphatic fashion but, not to be outdone, Maradona shot from further back but with the same result.
Rodrigo had his second after persistent work down the left and Fred edged Catania further ahead early in the third from a free-kick.
Jordan’s dipping drive past Van der Landen proved the final goal of the game and, indeed, an entertaining opening day of Euro Winners Cup action.
Goals: 0-1: Zurlo, min 10 (1st); 0-2: Gabriel, min 9 (1st); 1-2 Wolf, min 9 (1st); 1-3: Zurlo, min 3 (1st); 1-4: Rodrigo, min 2 (1st); 1-5: Gabriel, min 9 (2nd); 1-6: Maradona, min 8 (2nd); 1-7: Rodrigo, min 3 (2nd); 1-8: Fred, min 10 (3rd); 1-9: Jordan, min 7 (3rd)
