FIFA president Josep S. Blatter, Cafu or Zico join Beach Soccer Charity Match Brazil-Japan, held by Sony and Save the Children
The Beach Soccer Stadium in the most famed beach in Rio de Janeiro, the Arena Copacabana, hosted today a very special occasion, the Beach Soccer Charity Match Brazil vs Japan. The game, organized by Sony and the ONG Save the Children was held with the aim to raise funds for children affected by the Tsunami and Earthquake hitting the Eastern coast of Japan. FIFA President joined the event, together with legend Zico, composed by a Friendly match between Brazil and Japan, and a celebrity match with big names of the Brazilian football. Impossible for the CONMEBOL Qualifier for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011 to have a better beginning… “This event was really important to show our preoccupation for the Japanese citizenship. We really desire that the Japan gets restructured as fast as possible”, assured Mr. Blatter.
The Verdeamarela won the friendly game against current Asian champions, thanks to the hits by Andre, in the first period, and Benjamin, Sidney and Buru in the third one after Yamauchi’s equalizer. With 6 minutes to go, Yamauchi sent a new attempt in for the final 4-2 that proves that both teams are ready for their upcoming compromises.
Celebrities appetizer…
Before the Beach Soccer match between Japan and Brazil, a delightful celebrity match took place on the same arena in Copacabana, facing two teams shaped by big names of the Brazilian and Japanese football. From one side, Cafu’s Friends, with players such as the Brazilian captain in the 2002 World Cup win, the Argentinean Juan Pablo Sorín, Claudio Aldao or Alcindo, among others. From the other side, Washington’s Friends, with Paulo Sergio, the Beach Soccer legend Junior Negão, Ronaldão or Paulo Rink.
The crowd enjoyed a lovely match with such big names, and the final result favoured Washington’s Friends, who turned the score around to end winning 4-5. Anyway, as Washington appointed, “the score was today the least important thing. What I will always remember is the heat from the fans, and how we all together made our bit to help the Japanese population in these surmounting times they need to get ahead with”.