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Group A and Group B action took place
Group A
Japan win 6-2 against Guatemala.
Japan opened their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025 campaign in style, coming from behind to secure a convincing 6-2 victory over Guatemala at The Paradise Arena in Victoria. Guatemala opened the scoring in the second minute through B. Marroquín, but Japan responded immediately with a swift equaliser from Tsuboya. González restored Guatemala’s lead just a minute later before Matsuda, who was also the first to receive a yellow card in the tournament, levelled the score at 2-2 in the 11th minute to close out a intense first period.
The second period was quieter in terms of goals but not without action. Neither side managed to break the deadlock, though Guatemala’s Crocker picked up a yellow card just one minute into the restart. Defensive discipline and missed opportunities defined the middle phase of the match, as both teams attempted to take control.
It was in the final period that Japan’s class shone through. Finding their rhythm, they unleashed a flurry of goals from Furusato, Akaguma, and Ozu. With momentum firmly in their grasp, Japan sealed the win in the final minute through Tsuboya’s second of the match. The 6-2 result gave Japan a strong start in Group A, setting the tone for their title ambitions.
Belarus win 6-3 against Seychelles.
In a historic moment for the hosts, Seychelles scored their first-ever FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup goal in front of a capacity crowd at The Paradise Arena. Midway through the opening period, De Ketelaere ignited the celebrations with the landmark goal. However, Belarus responded quickly, as Drozd struck in the 11th minute to level the score at 1-1 by the end of the first period.
Belarus turned up the pressure in the second period, with Drozd netting again and Ryabko adding another to stretch their lead to 3-1. Labrosse offered a lifeline for the hosts with a fine effort that reduced the deficit. However, Drozd, in dominant form, completed his hat-trick before Amade scored to keep Seychelles within touching distance at 4-3. Despite their efforts, the hosts still trailed as the period concluded.
The final period proved decisive, as Belarus pulled clear with goals from Bryshtsel and Chaikouski, sealing a 6-3 win in the opening match. While Belarus claimed all three points, Seychelles delivered a spirited performance that earned them admiration on their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup debut.
Group B
IR Iran win 5-4 against Mauritania.
IR Iran began their World Cup campaign with a narrow 5-4 win over debutants Mauritania in a match filled with goals and action. The first yellow card of the game was shown to Iran’s Mirshekari just a minute after kick-off. He went from caution to celebration shortly after, as he opened the scoring in the fifth minute. Iran’s attack flourished as Movahed, Shir, and Mokhtari extended the lead to 4-0. Mauritania responded with a late goal in the first period from Cheikh, ending the opening period at 4-1.
The second period saw a continuation of drama. Cheikh picked up Mauritania’s first yellow card early on, but Iran’s Mokhtari struck again to complete his brace, giving his side a 5-1 lead. Mauritania showed resilience as Cheikh added his second goal of the match, narrowing the deficit but still trailing by three at the end of the period.
In the final phase of play, Mauritania pushed hard for a comeback. Ahmedou found the back of the net, as Cheikh completed a memorable hat-trick. Despite their spirited fight, the African side fell just short, with the score ending 5-4 in favour of IR Iran. The Iranians took all three points, while Mauritania will look to bounce back in their group match.
Portugal win 11-9 against Paraguay.
The final game of the tournament’s opening day produced a sensational goal fest, with Portugal defeating Paraguay 11-9 in a match that lit up The Paradise Arena. Just two minutes in, Coimbra gave Portugal the lead, followed by goals from Brilhante, Pintado, and Lourenço. Paraguay managed to respond through Carballo and Valentín, ending the first period 4-2 in Portugal’s favour.
Portugal turned up the tempo in the second period, extending their lead with goals from Lourenço, Léo Martins, and another from Pintado. Despite Joao pulling one back for Paraguay, the Portuguese side looked in control with a commanding 7-3 advantage heading into the final third period.
The third period turned into a rollercoaster, as Bé Martins netted his third goal of the fixture and Pintado completed his own hat-trick for Portugal. Paraguay, however, refused to back down, launching a late comeback with goals from Medina, Barrios, Rolón, and a brace from Mathias. Their valiant effort fell just short, as Portugal held on for an 11-9 win.
Results
Group A
Guatemala 2-6 Japan
Seychelles 3-6 Belarus
Group B
Mauritania 4-5 IR Iran
Portugal 11-9 Paraguay
Fixtures – 02/05/2025
Group C
Chile vs Tahiti
Spain vs Senegal
Group D
Italy vs Oman
Brazil vs El Salvador
Photos: fifa.com
