STORE 
MY BEACH SOCCER 
There were thrills and spills aplenty as Wednesday marked the first day of the Copa do Brasil 2016.
After much anticipation, the first stage of the Copa do Brasil got underway this week on the sands of Maranhao with a feast of goals on offer for spectators.
The eight-team tournament sees Sampaio Correa, Vasco da Gama, Espirito Santo, Santos, Flamengo, Rio Branco, Palmas and Sport Recife begin their battle for the title before further stages later this year.
A host of top-quality beach soccer stars are in action at the event including Espirito Santo pair Mao and Betinho as well as Flamengo team-mates Sidney, Daniel Zidane and Bueno.
Sampaio Correa have Andre Bigode in their ranks while Bruno Malias is to feature for Rio Branco and Vasco da Gama can call on the vast experience of the legendary Jorginho.
Wednesday saw the first round of matches played in Sao Luis as Rio Branco edged Flamengo 6-5 and Vasco da Gama saw off Sport Recife 10-2 in Group A.
Group B saw Espirito Santo beat Santos 10-4 while Sampan Correa moved past Palmas in a 7-2 success.
The action continues until Sunday and Brazilians competing in the tournament will have the chance to impress watching national coach Gilberto Costa.
With CONMEBOL qualification and the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017 coming up, Costa said: “It will be a great opportunity to see many players who we still do not know well.
“In just over four months, we have started a job with the Brazilian national team and we have two more goals to come – qualifying and of course the World Cup in Bahamas.
“But the idea is also to have a long-term look and make a very comprehensive assessment – observing the more experienced athletes and also the boys.”
