Czech Republic, new Nationscup champions

Lukic?s side clinched the trophy back after edging Slovakia in the final. Hungary ended in the third position, beating Austria 3-6

A 2-0 victory over Slovakia in the final got the Czech Republic National Team the cup in the Euro Beach Soccer Nationscup 2012, held again in the Austrian city of Linz. After edging current title-holders Hungary in the semifinals on Saturday, with three goals by the tournament’s top scorer Ivan Merta, a solid performance over suprprising Sloviakians got Lukic’s side the gold on Austrian soil.

Precisely, the hosts got caught by surprise by Slovakia, who amazingly turned around a 3-0 to earn a place in the decider, banning Austria the chance of fighting for the trophy in front of their own crowd.  In the game for the third place, Hungary denied them the last chance to bag a victory, and secured the bronze place with a prolific last period to have the score 3-6.

These were the final standings of the Euro Beach soccer Nationscup Linz 2012:

Final table:
1. Czech Republic
2. Slovakia
3. Hungary
4. Austria

Semi-finals:
Austria 4-6 Slovakia
Czech Republic 5-2 Hungary

Finals:
3rd-Place:
Austria 3-6 Hungary

Final:
Czech Republic 2-0 Slovakia

Individual awards
Best scorer: Ivan Merta (CZE)
MVP: Martin Chalupa (CZE)
Best Goalkeeper: Marek Kropelnicky