Ukraine upset Portugal to lift European crown

Last year’s runners-up went one better to lift their maiden continental title.

Ukraine wrote a new chapter in their beach soccer history in Catania on Sunday by becoming Euro Beach Soccer League champions for the first time after a tense 2-1 win against holders Portugal.

The world champions beat Ukraine 5-4 in the 2015 final and were on course to repeat that success when Jordan’s first-period goal sent them into the last frame 1-0 up.

But Zborovskyi and Medved were the heroes, scoring twice in as many minutes to avenge last year’s defeat and leave Portugal waiting for what would be a record-breaking sixth European title.

On what was a thrilling final day in Sicily, Russia finished the Superfinal in third place after edging Spain 8-7 in Catania on Sunday.

Nine-time winners between them, the sides played out an enthralling third-place play-off as Spain battled back from 6-3 down to level going into the final period.

But goals from Peremitin and Aksenov proved crucial in ending the Spanish resistance, Eduard’s late effort unable to inspire extra time, as Russia bounced back from missing out on the final to salvage pride.

Belarus clinched their best Euro Beach Soccer League finish after bending hosts Italy in the match for fifth place.

A terrific defensive effort by Marco Octavio’s men ensured a laudable win, which highlights the gradualy progression Belarus are enjoying step by step.

Switzerland later showed their quality with a stylish display against Germany, wrapping up seventh spot in the Superfinal with an 8-2 win.

Twenty-one places separate the sides in the rankings and, while both finished bottom of their groups, there was a clear gulf in quality as Switzerland battled from a goal down to lead 5-1 with the help of an Ott brace.

Team-mate Hodel also weighed in with two as Germany were consigned to eight place after a fourth successive defeat of a difficult campaign.

Individual Awards

Top scorer: Paolo Palmacci (ITA)

MVP Be Martins (POR)

Best goalkeeper: Vitalii Sydorenko (UKR)

Sunday results (Superfinal)

Germany 2-8 Switzerland

Belarus 5-2 Italy

Spain 7-8 Russia

Ukraine 2-1 Portugal