From now on, there’s no way back. You win, or you go home. Excitement is at its top at the Stadium of this FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifier, and four teams have gained a place in the quarterfinals, whereas same others have to pack their stuff and go back home. Switzerland knocked Les Bleus out in a wonderful and tight game, Ukraine get rid of –Netherlands, and the same did Romania with Estonia. Hungary, by the other side, surprised Greece with a blasting first period and brought them out of the race, and, obviously of the World Cup.
Too much Maci for the Estonian
Romania has become the first squad to gain a place in the quarterfinal round of this FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifier. But they have achieved quite more in their match against Estonia. In every match they play, the Romanians confirm a bin the first of his two goals today, t further that they are one of the most dangerous teams of the competition. And this is so because they have some of the most skillful players in the tournament, being Maci one of them. The left footed player has scored three goals and has put up another one for Boatza today, leaving no option for the Estonian.
Indeed, yet in the very first second of the game, Maci put his side ahead on the scoreboard, to be followed by teammate also-star Poste. This Marian-Marian society is set to do much harm. Siska achieved a momentary 2-1, but Boatza, made it 3-1. Although the obvious power of their opponents, Haavitsu’s side did not give up, and shortened the distance again thanks to a good team move tapped in by Aniko. But the Baltic worst nightmare was to strike again before the end of first period.
From then on, the Romanian side managed their advantage, and even extended it thanks to a new goal by Maci, in the second period, and another one by Boatza, who only need to finish a great pass by the Romanian Star. Romania, then, is the first National Team to get into the pot for this evening’s quarterfinal draw.
Ukraine: another one to be afraid of…
A compact and tuned Ukraine has gained its place in the Last 8 round thanks to a superb victory over Netherlands. The Ukrainian side has absolutely forgotten the defeat they suffered against Romania in the tournament’s opening day to become stronger and stronger with every fixture. Now, they already are a team to be afraid of, since its offensive potential and its solid display make them capable for anything.
Pachev was the one to switch the scoreboard on in the first period somehow pointing the Ukrainian wanted give any chance. An amazing 25 meter missile by Borsuk straight into the goalmouth made the 2-0, and the match began turning then absolutely blue. Koswal could have tried something, but his good attempt hit the post and went wide.
Cold minded Ukrainians kept on their unstoppable pace to get two more goals in the second period. Zvorovskyi was the first to hit and Borsuk thought that it was not to be his brother the only one to achieve a terrific goal, and connected a spectacular bicycle kick for the 4-0. Not even from the penalty spot were the Dutch to score, as Geldermalsen proved when missing his chance.
The Ukrainian road roller went into the third time seemingly to be as hungry as they were in the first period, and finished all Tulip chances with two other goals, to be added to Igor Borsuk’s and Pachev’s count.
Greek reaction comes late, Hungary go on
Hungary have knocked Greece down in their clash for a place in this FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifier that is taking place in Bibione. The Magyar have taken advantage of a demolishing beginning of the game, and they have just needed afterwards to manage the score not letting Greece too close. Although the Greek have tried to react, it was too late for them.
The Hungarian laid the foundations of their brilliant victory in a devastating first period, which raised them 4-0 up on the score. That was a steep way to climb for the Greek already. It was not until the second period that Greece was not to shorten the distance, thanks to Charalampidis, although it was immediately replied by Fekete. Then a stroke exchange began, to fall on the Hungarian side again, though. Kavalaris saw how Hungary counteracted his goal with two hits by Besenyei and Badalik, to turn the score into an explicit 2-7. Bertsias tried it again, only to find the same answer by Fekete.
Greece race achieved the score to go until 5-8, and with the shortest distance in the score of the whole match, but with little time left, Hellenics put Szucs goal into Siege, but lack of aim sometimes and excellent saves by the Magyar goalie left the score as it was, and the Greek see themselves out of the World Cup.
Switzerland knocks France out
One of the most awaited fixtures of this Round of 16, the one facing Switzerland and France, let nobody down. Both teams have shown why they were candidates for lifting the Cup in this match that lacked nothing: a noisy crowd bringing the best atmosphere, great beach soccer moves, spectacular goals, impossible saves and also a bit of tension, to be found in every big match, by the way.
From the very beginning, it was set clear that this was to be a special game. Valentin, the Swiss goalkeeper, was to put his side ahead on the score, thanks to a long distance attempt that the French homologue was not able to save. France, though, acted as the giant they are and immediately mended things to level the game again. The hit exchange continued in the first period, with Ottavy undoing for France what Leu had achieved for the Alpine.
There came then second period, when Stankovic finally appeared to put his precise left canon at the service of his country to make the score 4-2 after a free kick and a penalty. There was no chance for the French goalie, as usual with Dejan. Pagis began final pursue for Les Bleus, but Cantona’s lads were the victim of worst of lucks when Mendy, trying to head a ball to his keeper Ruiz, saw how the ball ended inside his own goal. There still were 6 minutes to go, which were to become almost never-ending for Switzerland. And harder it was to get for them when Pagis put France just one goal down.
However, France could not find the way to Valentine’s goal again, and it was the Alpine goalkeeper, instead, who ended the game just as he himself had started it, scoring a goal from a long distance, taking advantage that Ruiz was out of position. Heavy blow, then, for the French side, that despite having offered a great spectacle have not gained the ticket for the World Cup.
