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Argentina and Mexico secure victories in regulation to make for a battle royale for all four teams on Sunday
Argentina secures second victory
Argentina´s 3-1 win over Uruguay was a great defensive struggle that saw both teams net wonderful goals but also use stifling defense to smother the opponent. The periods alternated in a fashion that is all too common in beach soccer, the first frame belonged to Argentina, the second to Uruguay, and the crucial last 12 minutes were controlled by the Argentinian National Selection. The win leaves Argentina undefeated but with four points going into their last match on Sunday against the hosts, Chile. Uruguay will still be searching for their first win when they face Mexico on Sunday.
The two squads needed a win, as Argentina only secured one point on day one and Uruguay fell in heartbreaking fashion to Chile in overtime. The conservative nature of their play was evident as both squads relied on their defense to handle matters in the opening minutes of the first frame. Argentina broke the tie late in the frame and took a 1-0 lead into the middle frame. Uruguay did not take long to answer and scored the equalizer in the opening minutes of the second frame. Diving stops were needed to keep the score level for both teams and going into the final minutes of the period, the score remained the same, 1-1. The backlines held strong and limited chances, as the score stayed 1-1 going into the final period.
Set pieces and offensive attacks dictated the opening minutes of the final period and even though Uruguay was on their toes, they stayed steady and did not give up the early goal. Acrobatic saves were needed to prevent further goals and the two goalies responded to make sure the score was even heading into the middle of the period. Leguizamón broke things open for the Albiceleste scoring his teams´ second goal, putting them up 2-1 going into the final minutes of the match. Sirico scored his second of the match on a beautiful bicycle kick in the closing minutes that put the match just out of reach for the Uruguayans as the final whistle blew with the Argentines up 3-1.
Goals: 1-0: Sirico, min. 2 (1); 1-1: Ricar, min. 11 (2); 2-1: Leguizamón, min. 6 (3); 3-1: Sirico, min. 3 (3).
Mexico too much for hosts and earn 1st win
The 5-2 victory for Mexico was hard fought as the Central Americans did not take the lead until the middle of match, but after that, they ran free, scoring often and not allowing the South Americans to feel comfortable on offense. Chile started quickly, but the Mexicans always had an answer and as the game progressed, Mexico wore down the Chilean defense, scoring most of their goals halfway through the second frame and beyond. The win is the the first for Mexico in Viña del Mar and they will look to earn another three points against Uruguay on the final day. Sunday will be a pivotal day for Chile as well as they look to break down Argentina, who has yet to lose in the BSWW Tour Copa Beach Soccer Viña del Mar.
A packed crowd and high energy could not spur either side into an early goal and the period began with missed chances as La Roja missed on an opening minutes penalty kick. Chile would not be denied though and scored on a rocket, near the middle of the period, to go up 1-0 and energize the home crowd. That is the exact moment that both sides picked up the pace and started the scoring barrage, netting three more goals and putting the score at 2-2 going into the second period. Mexico took their first lead of the match early in the middle period as Gómez skidded a shot past the Chilean goalkeeper to make the score 3-2. Mexico would tack on another goal and they held the slim two goal lead at 4-2 going into the third frame.
The final period began just how the Tricolor wanted, by scoring and silencing the crowd. The Mexicans took the three goal lead but were not content on sitting back as they still pressed the issues but Chile did not collapse and continued their own attacks, however, unfruitfully. Nether side wanted to concede another goal but Mexico was more than content with their lead and had the luxury of playing conservatively on the defensive end. Chile pressed but the rhythm was not there and they ended up falling by a score of 5-2.
Goles: 1-0: Belaunde, min. 6 (1); 1-1: Pichardo, min. 5 (1); 2-1: Argote, min. 3 (1); 2-2: A. González, min. 0 (1); 2-3: Gómez, min. 9 (2); 2-4: Gómez, min. 5 (2); 2-5: Alemán, min. 11 (3).
COPA BEACH SOCCER VIÑA DEL MAR 2015
Match results:
Saturday, January 24th, 2015
18:00 – Argentina 3-1 Uruguay
19:15 – Chile 2-5 Mexico
Upcoming matches:
Sunday, January 25th, 2015
18:00 – Mexico vs. Uruguay
19:15 – Chile vs. Argentina
