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UAE finished in second, as Spain took third
The final day of the Mundialito 2023 – Andalucía took place as Brazil and Spain competed to lift the prestigious trophy, whilst UAE and Mexico battled for victory, with UAE having a chance at a potential second place finish…
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Exciting end sees UAE triumph
UAE defeat Mexico 5-4.
A match between UAE and Mexico got proceedings started in the men’s tournament on the closing day, with places in the tournament still to play for, despite both sides mathematically being unable to finish first.
UAE got off to a great start in the encounter as goalkeeper, Bahri struck inside four minutes of the opening period, which was followed by a hit from captain, Walid which found the bottom-right corner to double the lead.
UAE netted their third of the match in the second period, with Ahmed Beshr’s sweetly struck volley rippling the back of the Mexican net which would be the only goal scored in the period.
Mexico got off on the right foot in the beginning of the third and final period with a shot from range courtesy of goalkeeper, Macias. Montes de Oca brought his nation within one goal of UAE minutes later and Mexican top-scorer, Castillo fired home an all-important brace to put his nation ahead for the first time. However, the lead didn’t last for long as Humaid smashed the ball into the top corner and Waleed Beshr’s free-kick turned the match on its head once again.
With UAE securing a 5-4 victory, it meant that they’d have to wait for the result between Brazil and Spain to see if they finished in second place.
Brazil secure gold in Isla Canela
Brazil win 7-6 against Spain.
With Brazil sitting at the top of the tree on maximum points going into the fixture, their final test of the Mundialito 2023 – Andalucía would come against the host nation, Spain who knew a win in normal time would crown them champions.
Spain burst out the blocks in the fixture, leading the match 2-0 inside the opening three minutes of the first period courtesy of goals from David and Pedro. However, a strike from Catarino moments after and late goal in the period from Edson Hulk meant that the scores were level after 12 minutes had been played in Ayamonte.
At the start of the second period, the Spanish advantage was restored through Oliver’s venomous strike directly from kick-off and they went two goals ahead through Arias from close range. Rodrigo’s goal brought the Brazilians firmly back into the match, but it was shut out by Domingo as he poked home. A driven strike from Mauricinho made the score 5-4, and Rodrigo slammed in a free-kick to make the scores even at the end of the second period.
An extremely well worked goal finished off by Catarino in the third period sent the Brazilian team ahead in the tie for the first time, as David’s free-kick four minutes from time made the score 6-6. With the seconds ticking away in the normal time, Spain needed to score if they were to win the trophy, however, it was Brazil to score to end the title hopes of the Spaniards as Rodrigo completed his hat-trick.
Individual awards
After the final fixture, three individual awards were given out. Rodrigo was the MVP of the tournament and top scorer with 7 goals, and Dona was the best goalkeeper.
To take a look back at the Men’s Mundialito Beach Soccer 2023 – Andalucía, make sure to visit beachsoccer.com!
WATCH ALL MATCHES LIVE ON BEACHSOCCERTV.COM – SIGN UP HERE!
Results
UAE 5-4 Mexico
Spain 6-7 Brazil
Final standings
1. Brazil
2. UAE
3. Spain
4. Mexico
