Brazil edge Paraguay in friendly

Terribly hard fought game in Foz do Iguaçu leaves both contenders with great sensations ahead of the CONMEBOL Qualifier

Brazil will fly to the CONMEBOL Qualifier for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 in the best condition, both physical and psychological. 

In a terribly balanced match, the defending continental champions edged the Guaraní side thank to Mauricinho’s winner in the extra time, after regular time ended with a 6-6 draw. 

Foz do Iguaçu hosted an amazing beach soccer battle facing the two biggest favourites to the South American throne. 

The packed stands witnessed an electric, exciting beach soccer display in which the goals by  Bruno Xavier (2), Lucão (2), Nelito and Bokinha for the hosts, and Ojeda (2), Zayas (2), Guerrero and Sánchez for the Albirroja left everything tied by the end of the third period. 

Paraguay even managed to command the game 1-4 midway second leg, and even reached the last minute of the match 6-5 ahead, but Brazil proved to have a very strong mentality to regain the game control and clinch a new win that extends their invincibility to 23 games.  

The Guaraní, despite the defeat, will fly back home having reinforced their self-confidence ahead of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers they will be hosting as of this coming Sunday, 5th of February, in Asunción. 

Daniel Zidane, 250 matches for Brazil

In this game, moreover, defender Daniel Zidane Nogueira earned his 250th cap for the verdeamarela, becoming one of the most capped players in the Brazilian beach soccer history. 

Pic: Nilton Rolin/ Itaipu Binacional