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El Salvador thrills in comeback while USA books ticket to next round on last second goal
Guatemala can do no wrong in big win
The 15-2 win for Guatemala over the US Virgin Islands was a lesson in offensive firepower, as they came out strong and never looked over their shoulder, building a big lead while staying tight on defense at the same time. The US Virgin Islands tried to push the tempo whenever they controlled the ball but they did not have the same finishing touch that Guatemala had. An insanely productive second period for La Azul y Blanco, saw them take an 11-0 lead which was already more than enough to safely secure the win. The victory gives Guatemala two victories in two matches and secures their place in the next round. They will look to stay undefeated in the group against Costa Rica on Tuesday. The US Virgin Islands were overmatched on this day but they will try and rebound on Tuesday against Panama.
Guatemala won their opening match and wanted to make a strong statement in this match. They began proceedings by slotting home a quick two shots, only to be shut down by the US Virgin Islands until the final minute in the opening frame. The 3-0 lead insurmountable but the US Virgin Islands had made progress and were hoping to build on that in the middle frame. Things kept rolling for the leaders, as they pounced on ball after ball, and midway through the match they had built an 11-0 lead. The furious output of goals slowed and the US Virgin Islands doubled their efforts to find a goal but the Guatemalans were too strong in their defense and when the period came to an end, the score was 11-0 for Guatemala.
Los Chapines were disappointed to not keep a clean sheet, when they gave up a goal to Adams, but that was only a small hiccup in the middle of the frame. The US Virgin Islands’ goal came sandwiched between more Guatemalan goals and going into the final minutes of the match, the score was 14-1. There was not an abundance of sloppy play from either side but more of an excellence in tactical execution and when the final buzzer sounded The Blue and Whites had trampled their way to a 15-2 win.
Goals: 1-0: Saenz, min. 10 (1); 2-0: Gonzalez, min. 8 (1); 3-0: Ochoa, min. 1 (1); 4-0: Moran, min. 11 (2); 5-0: Gonzalez, min. 11 (2); 6-0: Gonzalez, min. 10 (2); 7-0: Saenz, min. 9 (2); 8-0: Gonzalez, min. 8 (2); 9-0: Saenz, min. 7 (2); 10-0: Gonzalez, min. 6 (2); 11-0: Zaldaña, min. 5 (2); 12-0: Saenz, min. 10 (3); 12-1: Adams,min. 6 (3); 13-1: Moran, min. 5 (3); 14-1: Garcia, min. 5 (3); 15-1: Avila, min. 3 (3); 15-2: Fuller, min. 0 (3).
The Bahamas advance to quarters with victory
The 4-3 win for the Bahamas over Antigua and Barbuda was not your grandparents’ form of beach soccer, with sides forcibly scoring goals, taking the lead, and shutting down strikers, all at different points in the match. Antigua and Barbuda played with just that much more intensity in the opening periods but they could not sustain it as the Bahamas stayed close enough to strike late and earn the win. With the three points that came along with the victory, the Bahamas has 6 with one game remaining. Their final group stage game will be on Tuesday against the USA. The Bahamas secured their place in the next round with the win. Antigua and Barbuda did has yet to win in the tournament but they will get another chance on Tuesday against Barbados.
The Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda do not have a problem scoring as their offenses have been effective in the past and the opening minutes of this match showed that they could attack like well-oiled machines as they each notched goals, though Antigua and Barbuda scored the first two and held onto a slim 2-1 advantage going into the final minutes of the period. The period came to an end with the same score, Antigua and Barbuda leading 2-1, as neither side could beat the other for another goal. The Rake and Scrape Boys found the equalizer early in the middle frame, only to see the third goal from Murray of Antigua and Barbuda put them in another one goal deficit. The heart of the match arrived with only one goal separating the teams, as Antigua and Barbuda led 3-2. The Bahamans had a chance to level matters at three on a penalty but a great save kept Antigua and Barbuda in the lead. The Bahamas would not miss on their next attempt, though it was a much more difficult shot from distance, and the score ended up 3-3 at the end of two periods.
The pleasantries were out of the way and both teams looked comfortable with the opponent in front of them and the very calm opening to the period showed that neither side wanted to give up the next goal, which could be the most important of the match. Antigua and Barbuda were the first to cede a goal in the final frame and it was the goal that gave the Rake and Scrape Boys their first lead all day. The goal created the spark that Antigua and Barbuda wanted, but the Bahamas were able to counter and even snuff out most of the dangerous chances. Antigua and Barbuda were not able to get the most out of their offense, not like had earlier and the final period and match ended with the Bahamas up 4-3.
Goals: 0-1: Murray, min. 10 (1); 0-2: Murray, min. 7 (1); 1-2: St Fleur, min. 7 (1); 2-2: Hanna, min. 10 (2); 2-3: Murray, min. 8 (3); 3-3: St Fleur, min. 4 (2); 4-3: Williamson, min. 9 (3).
Belize gets first win in their final group match
The 6-1 triumph for Belize over Puerto Rico was a great display of offensive and defensive ability, which is evidence of the growing ability of both teams. Belize began quickly and never looked book. They had a slight scare when the Puerto Ricans showed resolve and got a goal back but the Belizean lead was too much. Out of their three group stage matches, Belize got their first win in their last match and as they join more and more events, their level will increase, with this win being a catalyst of sorts. Puerto Rico finishes the event without a win, but their technique was never sloppy and with an increase in experience they will definitely be a tough out in any future regional events.
The two teams had yet to get a win in the group but that did not stop them from coming out and attacking like it was the first match of the tournament. Belize struck first and not once but twice, and took the early 2-0 lead on goals from Nunez. Puerto Rico rode out the attacks and began returning fire, though they were not as fortunate as the Belizeans. The Blue Hurricanes were flummoxed by the Belize defense though that did not stop them from getting chances on goal. The donut on the scoreboard disappeared on a strike from Sancho that brought Puerto Rico back into the match at 3-1. The goal inspired the Puerto Rican attack as they began to earn and see more chances but Belize was not ready to let them get back any closer and when the second 12 minutes finished, Belize had steadied themselves and held onto a 3-1 lead.
Belize did not look ready for the pressure that Puerto Rico placed on them early in the final period, but the Belizeans recovered quickly and got ready, preventing any further goals from El Huracán Azul and even adding to their lead. The looping shot from Gordon barely got over the Puerto Rican goalkeeper, giving Belize a 4-1 advantage going into the heart of the period. The three goal lead did not last for long as it turned into a four goal lead on a sweetly connected shot from King. Belize was able to score again and get the very hard-fought 6-1 win.
Goals: 0-1: Nunez, min. 8 (1); 0-2: Nunez, min. 8 (1); 0-3: Serano, min. 5 (1); 1-3: Sancho, min. 7 (2); 1-4: Gordon, min. 9 (3); 1-5: King, min. 6 (3); 1-6: Cabral, min. 0 (3).
Costa Rica secures place in knockout stages
The 9-5 win for Costa Rica over Panama was much closer than the final score indicates as there was a playoff atmosphere in the entire stadium, from the stands to the pitch. Costa Rica leaped out the gates first, but the Panamanians seemed to quick to not fight back and they had their own moments but the Costa Ricans had more moments of their own and found a way to make more plays. The spectacular goals were equaled by the team defenses, diving saves, and players sacrificing themselves to block shots. The win gives Costa Rica a place in the next round as they and Guatemala will advance, coincidently, the final day of group play will feature those two teams to determine 1st and 2nd in Group D. The loss was a tough one to swallow for Panama but they played a fierce match and still will have a chance to show their worth on Tuesday against the US Virgin Islands.
The excitement surrounding the fourth match of the day was all around and anyone could taste it, and who could blame them with the two great sides of Costa Rica and Panama colliding. Los Ticos used the energy to jump on La Marea Roja quickly, taking an early and big lead, at 4-0. The Panamanians did not lose their heads and began the comeback march, finishing the period only down two goals, at 5-3. The long trail back to at least a tie was far from over for Panama but the goals did not come as easily early in the middle frame, but the Red Tide was thoroughly controlling the shots and possession. Los Metacampeones may have not been in complete control, but their defense was still steady and kept the score at 5-3 for the good. The first goal of the middle frame did not come until the final minutes of the period, but it was a rasping shot from Jhonson to give the Costa Ricans their three goal cushion back at 6-3. The scoring picked up and Los Ticos scored twice more, taking an 8-3 lead into the final 12 minutes.
A five goal deficit would intimidate nearly anyone but the opening minute of the third period saw Panama nail home a quick shot, instantly pick up the ball and race back. The business-like approach showed the fans that the Panamanians still believed they could win, with a little hard work and good fortune. The power and size, to go along with the quickness, of Costa Rica became too much as they started to wear down the Panamanian defense, though the tally did not increase at a high rate, the writing was on the wall. When the referees indicated the end of the game, Costa Rica had won 9-5.
Goals: 1-0: Jimenez, min. 10 (1); 2-0: Quintero (o.g.), min. 9 (1); 3-0: Campos, min. 9 (1); 4-0: Pacheco, min. 8 (1); 4-1: Obregon, min. 7 (1); 5-1: Pacheco, min. 5 (1); 5-2: Barrera, min. 5 (1); 5-3: Del Cid, min. 1 (1); 6-3: Jhonson, min. 4 (2); 7-3: Azuola, min. 2 (2); 8-3: Pacheco, min. 0 (2); 8-4: Quintero, min. 11 (3); 9-4: Pacheco, min. 2 (3); 9-5: Bultron, min. 2 (3).
Americans grind out last second win and advance to quarters
The 4-3 win for the United States of America was gut-wrenching for both sides from start to finish. The States saw the goal shrink to the size of tire and could not score for the life of them, while Barbados wasted one of the most spectacular performances from a goalie in this event so far. Barbados stayed close throughout and had the backing of the fans, who were thrilled for the million miles a minute pace. The win for the US sealed their fate, in a good way, and sent them to the next round and their final group game on Tuesday against the Bahamas will decide first and second in Group C. Barbados fought as tough as they could and their destiny was also sealed after the loss, a trip home. The Bajun Pride will take on Antigua and Barbuda on the final day of group play, Tuesday.
The United States played well enough to win their opening match, however, they would need to play much better to advance not only to the quarterfinals, but also to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015, which they have aspirations for. The opening minutes of the match saw an invigorating Stars and Stripes squad that knew what was at stake, but they could not find the first goal to break the levies. For as much as the Red, White, and Blue were in control, the Bajan pride were holding their lines strong and creating mini counter attacks, though neither side was able to score in the opening frame, going into the second period tied at 0. The Yanks broke the deadlock early in the second period on a shot from Cummings, but both teams displayed excellent defense and the score stayed the same going into the final minutes of the period, with the United States narrowly missing on what seemed like every possession and the overwhelming feeling was that those close-calls could come back to bite the Americans. The US nervously clung to a one goal lead, 1-0, going into the final 12 minutes.
The pressure was all on the Yanks, as they were expected to win, especially after the performance they had put on through the first two periods, however they had very little to show for it. The US defense was cracked when Barbados rocketed a shot after a turnover, to send the crowd and teams into a frenzy. The energy continued to crescendo, with the Americans restoring their one goal lead on a strike their captain, Perera. Barbados needed some wonderful and impossible saves to keep the score close enough so they could make a late push, which is exactly what they did. The Americans allowed Barbados back into the match, when they gave up another goal, putting the score at 3-2 with only minutes remaining. The way things were going, it seemed like the match could not get more exciting but Barbados scored the equalizer in the final minute to seemingly send the game to overtime, but that was not how the story ended. The United States’ never say never attitude gave them the hope for one more goal, the third on the day for star Perera, which he got with under 10 seconds left to secure the 4-3 win.
Goals: 1-0: Perera, min. 10 (2); 1-1: Beckles, min. 10 (3); 2-1: Perera, min. 9 (3); 3-1: Leopoldo, min. 7 (3); 3-2: Grazette, min. 6 (3); 3-3: Grazette, min. 0 (3); 4-3: Perera, min. 0 (3).
El Salvador survives scare and completes big comeback
The 7-4 win for El Salvador over Jamaica was in doubt for the hosts for much of the match as they faced a deficit, and a big one at that, but they righted the ship and mounted a large scale comeback, finally finishing the turnaround in the middle of the final period, taking their first lead all day. The big second and third periods propelled the come from behind victory and leaves the hosts in first place in Group A. Despite the loss, Jamaica will still advance to the quarterfinals as they finish a close second in the group. The dream of World Cup glory is still alive for both teams.
El Salvador is considered a favourite in this qualifier, taking place in their own backyard, but after a deep run in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, they are expected to make noise again in this years’ edition, set for July 9th-19th in Portugal. Jamaica surprised some with their play in the early matches, but they would need a truly inspired performance to take down the hosts. Nothing is predictable in beach soccer, and sure enough, the Jamaicans opened the match with the first goal and a special first period, shutting out the almost deafening crowd and playing their own game. Jamaica was shocking Los Cuscatlecos when they took a 4-0 lead while shutting out the high scoring El Salvadorians. The score held and they favourites found themselves down 4-0 going into the first break. La Selecta could not be quieted forever and they reenergized the stadium and their team with an amazing individual effort from Ruiz, which brought the tally to 4-1 for the Reggae Boyz. The crowd was alive and well, especially after the third and fourth goals for El Salvador, but the Jamaicans held tight onto their one goal lead at 4-3, which is how the second period would finish.
Neither side was leaving anything on the pitch as they both wanted to win, finish first in the group, and remain undefeated. Only one team could do that, and the momentum had fully shifted to El Salvador. The Jamaicans may have lost a bit of their bite but they were more than prepared to weather the storm, however the El Salvadorians began looking like the team that had pummeled their competition up until this point. The fans were on edge as they knew a comeback was possible, in their crosshairs, but each minute that passed without the equalizer was another minute lost. The disappointment did not last long into the final period as Velasquez scored his first of the night to tie the score at 4, going into the heart of the period. The game was officially turned on its head in the first period, then turned back on his head when El Salvador completed the improbable but plausible comeback, when Ruiz scored his second of the match, putting the score at 5-4 for the hosts. Their first lead of the day did not calm them down and El Salvador continued using their offensive skill set to press the Reggae Boyz. When the final buzzer sounded, El Salvador had not only retaken the lead but added to it, winning by a score of 7-4.
Goals: 0-1: Anderson, min. 9 (1); 0-2: Planter, min. 6 (1); 0-3: Anderson, min. 4 (1); 0-4: Benjamin, min. 3 (1); 1-4: Ruiz, min. 9 (2); 2-4: Henriquez, min. 7 (2); 3-4: Ruiz, min. 5 (2); 4-4: Velasquz, min. 8 (3); 5-4: Ruiz, min. 6 (3); 6-4: Batres, min. 5 (3); 7-4: Batres, min. 4 (3).
CONCACAF BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS EL SALVADOR 2015 (FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP 2015 – CONCACAF QUALIFIER)
Results Today:
Monday 30.03.15
14:00 – Guatemala 15-2 US Virgin Islands (Group D)
15:15 – Bahamas 4-3 Antigua and Barbuda (Group C)
16:30 – Puerto Rico 1-6 Belize (Group A)
17:45 – Costa Rica 9-5 Panama (Group D)
19:00 – USA 4-3 Barbados (Group C)
20:15 – El Salvador 7-4 Jamaica (Group A)
Upcoming Matches:
Tuesday 31.03.15
14:00 – Panama vs. US Virgin Islands (Group D)
15:15 – Barbados vs. Antigua and Barbuda (Group C)
16:30 – Guadalupe vs Turks and Caicos Islands (Group B)
17:45 – Costa Rica vs Guatemala (Group D)
19:00 – USA vs Bahamas (Group C)
20:15 – Mexico vs Trinidad and Tobago (Group B)
