STORE 
MY BEACH SOCCER 
Ukraine were also winners in Division A while England and Romania lead the way in the second tier.
Azerbaijan and Ukraine pulled clear in Division A on day one of the Warnemunde stage of the Euro Beach Soccer League while, in the second tier, there were wins for England and Romania.
A Maksym Voitok brace was the difference for Ukraine as they beat Italy 3-2 to boost their chances of making the Superfinal in Terracina next month.
Voitok scored twice in the final frame as Ukraine moved joint top of a fledgling group in Warnemünde, leaving Italy – ensured a place at the Superfinal as hosts – with work to do if they are to lift the title this weekend.
Azerbaijan earlier ensured themselves a place in next year’s Euro Beach Soccer League Division A by upsetting hosts Germany in Warnemünde with a 3-0 win.
The Azeri – promoted last year – condemned Greece to take part in the Promotion Final this time around as Orkhan Mammadov, Sabir Allahguliyev and Amid Nazarov wrapped up a clinical win.
England got their Euro Beach Soccer League campaign up and running with a 9-4 win against Division B opponents Lithuania.
Carl Dixon’s men move to three points along with Romania in the second tier with Aaron Clarke’s five-goal haul helping to bolster England’s hopes of earning a place at the Promotion Final.
Romania also made a winning start to the fifth and final normal stage in Germany as they overcame the Netherlands 8-4 in a thrilling contest.
Both sides remain in with a chance of reaching the Promotion Final in September but it was Romania who picked up early points as four goals from Ionut Florea ensured victory.
Friday results
14:45 – Romania 8-4 Netherlands
16:00 – Germany 0-3 Azerbaijan
17:15 – Ukraine 3-2 Italy
18:30 – Lithuania 4-9 England
Saturday fixtures
13:30 – Romania v Lithuania
14:45 – England v Netherlands
16:00 – Ukraine v Germany
17:15 – Italy v Azerbaijan
