The hosts edge Spain in the decider of the last stage in the regular phase, and will get to Torredembarra as the best ranked side
Russia grasped the last three points at stake in the Euro Beach Soccer League Moscow 2013, thus claiming the trophy at their capital city and securing the highest place in the season standings, one week before their landing in the Superfinal. The World Champions found a proper way to pay the Spaniards back for the big upset last year, when La Roja prevailed in the final of the FIFA Beach Soccer world Cup Qualifier, held precisely in Moscow.
It was never easy for the Russian, though, as Spain are showing an amusing level this summer. The hosts had to overcome one early fright, as Llorenç, the tournament top scorer, swept the Spaniards ahead just seconds into the game. Before La Roja had time to sit back with the advantage, though, Makarov equalized the score, getting his team back on the combat.
Similarly, Llorenç hit again in the opening of the second leg, but paralleling what happened in the first period, Russia were lucky enough to neutralize the Spanish hit, balancing things back just seconds afterwards. It was Leonov, tournament?s Most Valuable Player, the one cancelling Spain?s advantage this time.
The balanced fight went on with the 2-2 on the score, with goal chances coming and going at both ends. Goalkeepers were notably inspired today, and the score got stuck all the period long. Coming into the last minute in that second stage, Eremeev had the World Champions ahead for the first time, with which would become the game winner.
Alonso?s team would keep struggling for a third equalizer, banking on an amusingly desicive Llorenç, but the Russian defense stayed perfect not to let the Spanish striker any clear opportunity to send the ball to the back of Bukhlitskiy?s nets. With the final whistle, Russia could give their devoted crowd what they were willing to, at the time he made a huge leap to the highest place of the season standings. From that place, Likhachev?s team will try their assault on the European crown, which they lost to Switzerland in last season?s Superfinal.
Goals: 0-1: Llorenc, min. 11 (1); 1-1: Makarov, min. 10 (1); 1-2: Llorenç, min. 10 (2); 2-2: Leonov, min. 10 (2); 3-2: Eremeev, min. 1 (2)
Germany edge Romania to earn first points in the season
The German National team could pay farewell to their season in the Euro Beach Soccer League bagging their first three points, following a win over Romania in the last matchday of the Euro Beach Soccer League Moscow 2013.
After Svenson swept the Germans ahead, Romania could only balance the score once, with Keppinho?s first hit getting Boringschulte?s side on top for good. The excellent German number six brilliantly guided his side to the points today, with a hat-trick that would get things impossible for Farcas? lads.
Maci, who had not been showing his usual level during the whole season, kind of got back to being himself today, and tried to lead the Romanian reaction with three goals. But the game control was already in German hands, with the Mannschaft never letting the Carpathian closer than two hits behind until the last hooter.
Goals: 0-1: Svenson, min. 11 (1); 1-1: Maci, min. 7 (1); 1-2: Keppinho, min. 3 (1); 1-3: Keppinho, min. 10 (2); 1-4: Olli, min. 9 (2); 2-4: Maci, min. 4 (2); 3-2: Raj, min. 0 (2); 3-5: Weirauch, min. 11 (3); 3-6: Keppinho, min. 8 (3); 4-6: Maci, min. 0 (3)
EURO BEACH SOCCER LEAGUE MOSCOW 2013
Game results:
Friday, 2nd of August, 2013
17:45 ? Romania 0-6 Spain
19:00 ? Germany 1-2 Russia
Saturday, 3rd of August, 2013
17:45 ? Spain 2-0 Germany
19:00 ? Russia 5-0 Romania
Sunday, 4th of August, 2013
17:45 ? Romania 4-6 Germany
19:00 ? Russia 3-2 Spain
Final standings:
Winner: Russia
Runner-up: Spain
3rd place: Germany
4th place: Romania
Individual awards:
MVP: Leonov (RUS)
Top scorer: Llorenç (ESP)
Best goalkeeper: Penke (GER)
