EBSL Moscow is itching to kick-off

The second to last Euro Beach Soccer League group stage is nearly upon us, July 11th-13th, and the anticipation is unrivaled

Russia is the two-time defending FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup champions as well as the current holder of the title, best in Europe, as they won the 2013 EBSL Superfinal. The Russians know how important this event is and their capital city of Moscow knows beach soccer all too well also. This year there will be four Division A teams to go along with four Division B teams battling for the final spots in the Superfinal and Promotion Final, respectively. Division A includes Russia, Belarus, Greece, and Spain. Division B has Azerbaijan, Estonia, Kazakhstan, and Moldova. 

Division A teams play in two EBSL events and Division B squads play in one event and every Division A team in Moscow is playing in their final stage before the Superfinal in Torredembarra, Spain from the 14th to 17th of August. This will be the last chance for Russia, Belarus, Greece, and Spain to secure tickets to the postseason. Azerbaijan, Estonia, Kazakhstan, and Moldova will have this one and only opportunity to earn a place in the Promotion Final and consequently get a shot at moving up into Division A next season. 

Spain leads these Superfinal hopefuls with six points and can all but secure their place with a minimum of one win and the three corresponding points. Greece, playing in their first year in Division A, has been the most surprising as they earned two wins in their first stage in Sopot, one in overtime. The Greeks´ five points give them a good start but they should fancy at least two wins, to feel safe in making the Superfinal. Russia, shockingly, and Belarus have three points through their first three matches and only a sweep over the weekend for one of these teams can guarantee that they advance to Torredembarra. 

The World champions and defending Europ Beach Soccer kings will need a stout performance if they want to secure the possibility to defend their title in the season finale. Likhachev and the rest of the pack know this very well.