A replay of the Copa America final will be contended on the sands of NEOM on Saturday
– Brazil defeat Japan to top Group B
– Paraguay put 10 past hosts
– Benitez leads scoring with six goals
Another rampant performance from Marco Octavio’s Brazil saw a rerun of the 2022 Copa America final set up on Matchday 3 in Saudi Arabia, as Saturday will see the Seleção take on Paraguay in the final of the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup.
Brazil reach final after putting eight past Japan
The Intercontinental runners-up took on the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup runners-up, as Japanese captain Ozu Moreira went up against the country of his birth in the final group match in NEOM.
The men in yellow struck first when Mauricinho was given too much space in the middle of the pitch to hit his third of the tournament. Benjamin Jr rifled in the second, but a stunning bicycle kick following slick team play saw Akaguma cut the difference to one.
A goal of the tournament competition then ensued between Filipe Silva, who fired in two rockets from distance with unbelievable accuracy, and Ozu, who also found the top scorner from a long way out.
The final period began with Brazil leading by 5-3, and Akaguma’’s second bicycle kick wasn’t enough to stop the marauding Mauricinho, as Brazil pushed their total to eight for the second time in the competition.
A goal from Rodrigo Souto, a screamer from captain Catarino and a late punishment of slack defending from Edson Hulk secured Brazil a place in the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup final at a canter, where they will play Paraguay in a replay of the Copa America tomorrow.
Paraguay hit 10 in final group match
Paraguay were already through to the final, but the Saudi hosts were keen to give the gathered local fans a show, as well as finishing as high as possible in the group.
Cantero struck the opener in the first period, but Saudi Arabia were asking questions of the South American champions, and after the restart Majed converted a penalty, his fourth of the campaign, to the delight of the crowd.
However, the flood gates opened in the second period, as Benitez, Carballo, Ojeda and an impressive double from keeper Saul Gonzalez saw Paraguay surge into a 6-1 lead.
Carlos Carballo completed his hat-trick with two strikes in the final period, and Medina hit a brace to take the biggest win in the competition so far. Tomorrow, they face Brazil for the 2022 NEOM Beach Soccer Cup.
Yahya brace gives Oman the win on Day 3
Oman had won one and lost one ahead of their final game in Group B, while Bahrain had suffered defeat to both Japan and Brazil.
It took a long time for the first goal to come in a tight match, as Sami opened the scoring early in the second period, but just moments later, Abdullah fired in to equalise.
Yahya managed to retake the lead after both sides failed to make the most of good scoring opportunities, and in the final period he completed his brace to hand Bahrain their third defeat at the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup.
UAE overrun England in final group game
UAE and England had experienced dramatic games against the hosts, ending in penalties and a 15-goal thriller.
It looked as if another tight match was on the cards, and the Three Lions captain Clarke initially took the lead, rounding the keeper to poke into an open net. Rashed equalised before the whistle, but then completed his hat-rrick in the second period,
Abbas and Grossett scored at either end, keeping the two-goal lead intact for Victor Vasques at 4-2.
In the final period, Clarke netted his second of the match but the Emirati were relentless in their attack and punished tired defending with four more strikes courtesy of Malahi (2), Waleed Beshr and Jamal, taking the final score to 8-3.
RESULTS (11/11)
Bahrain 1-3 Oman
UAE 8-3 England
Brazil 8-3 Japan
Saudi Arabia 2-10 Paraguay
Watch the games live on Recast.
For full details on the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup Dubai 2022, including fixtures, results and standings, head to beachsoccer.com.
