5 to watch in beach soccer in 2020

Beach soccer commentator, Mark Pendergast, has put together a list of 5 names that you should be looking out for in the 2020 season

The new normal means no nights out, no concerts and no trips to the cinema. We have absolutely nothing to talk about! The lack of leisure means when you have your next zoom-a-thon the conversation will turn to the only question we have left, “What are you watching?” 

The recommendation of “what to watch” is the ‘only thing’ left in a locked-down world. A good suggestion you are a hero, a poor one makes you a socially distanced outcast. 

The same could apply if you find yourself online with a few Beach Soccer fans and someone pipes up “Who should we be watching”. Well instead of floundering like a freshly caught fish on the shores of Nazare (other Beach Soccer venues are available) I have your handy guide as to who you should be watching when the season renews. 

Christian (Coach) – Spain

The long time goalkeeper of the national team and more recently he has served as assistant coach. This more than qualifies him to take over the reins from Joaquin Alonso. He is a coach obsessed with detail and will leave no stone unturned when it comes to giving his team an edge. He was known as an obsessive trainer during his playing days. I remember speaking to the Spanish team doctor about the players, immediately he highlighted Christian’s work ethic. One of the most important qualities a leader can possess is a willingness to improve himself and the team, and the new Spanish coach has it in bundles. The part-time coach and policeman will take the values from his day job and apply the same forensic detail to his new coaching role. 

Eliott (Goalkeeper) – Switzerland 

The Spain-based goalkeeper was like a gift from the gods for Switzerland. Veteran keeper Valentin had announced his retirement and this was a big problem. The Swiss had never been blessed with an outstanding back-up for their Number 1, so much so I think coach Schrinzi was toying with the idea of going in goal. The fact he had used Noel Ott, the team’s star player, as a goalkeeper at an EBSL event showed they had issues in finding someone that could help the team build their game from the goal. The Swiss could find shot stoppers but never someone with the foot skills of Valentin, until now. Elliot is a looming presence who fills the goal with such a wide frame it casts a shadow over half the pitch. He is a fantastic shot-stopper, and most importantly, this is combined with sublime foot skills. It’s like a politician that tells the truth, a rare and almost unique combination. He is part of the slowly emerging new generation of Swiss players and one upon which the team will be built.    

Akbari – Iran

A defensive player prone to the spectacular. He was without a doubt the star of the show for Iran in the World Beach Games topping off a fantastic tournament with a sprinkling of spectacular goals. His first-time volleyed effort from his own half being the highlight. His performances were one of the reasons more, and more Iranian fans packed the stadium each day. Spartak Moscow were watching and picked up the Iranian for the Mundialito de Clubes in Moscow, where once again he showed why he is so highly rated. 

Von – Portugal

Von has done what many have tried, but few have achieved, and that is break into the Portuguese squad. The steadfast nature of the team is its strength but also a barrier for new additions. Von has been the exception, along perhaps with fellow youngster Ruben Brilhante, now establishing himself as a regular in Mario Narciso’s line-up, and he has managed to do so with his nose for the goal, an impressive capacity of finding the net from almost anywhere in the pitch and his natural ability for the overhead kick.

Josep Jr – Italy

There is an unwritten rule in Beach Soccer, if you want to be good, get a Brazilian. Now to be fair, Italy were pretty good before they got a taste of Samba magic but once they added some Brazilian genes they weren’t going back! Josep Jr, who lives in Brazil but was born in Italy from an Italian dad and a Brazilian mum, adds an unusual element to the Azzurri, in that he can dribble on the sand. He glides across the bumpy shores of Europe like it’s the green grass of a pristine Maracana. This gives Italy, who are the masters of the overhead kick, something different, something unique and most importantly, something highly effective.