EBSL: next stop, Sopot

The second stage of the continental league will be decisive, as some teams will deplete their options for the Superfinal

After the absolutely thrilling Euro Beach Soccer League 2014 opening in Catania, the finest beach soccer in the Old continent now heads to the second stage of the regular phase, to be held in the Polish seaside resort of Sopot. This coming weekend, between the 27th and 29th of June, the Plaze Przy Molo will host a new episode of the battle for the continental throne, with two groups of four Division A sides ready.

Besides hosts Poland, beach soccer powerhouses such as 2013 runner-ups Portugal, 2012 champions Switzerland, World Cup runner-ups Spain, Netherlands, Ukraine, France and the recently promoted Greece will set up a great spectacle.

Poland, playing in front of their own crowd, has a unique chance to get rid of the bitter taste in their mouths after the first Euro Beach Soccer League stage, held in Catania last weekend, in which the Polish could not clinch any points. If they want to bank on any chance of getting to the Superfinal once again, and avoid the Promotion Final, they will need a stout performance against Portugal, Netherlands and Greece to bag as many points as they can.

In Group 2, Switzerland will try to make the most of their momentum after the excellent performances in Catania, whereas World Cup runner-ups Spain will seek their place in the Superfinal, too in their first event of the season, just as Ukraine. France, with three points so far, will also try to improve their records so to definitely join the top-8 and forget last seasons´ woes…