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MY BEACH SOCCER 
England and Switzerland cannot overcome the impressive offensive and defensive performances from El Salvador and Brazil
Brazil grab first points in San Salvador
Copa Pílsener 2014 was off to a fantastic start as some of the highest quality beach soccer was played by the Cuscatlán stadium. Brazil earned the three points with a 7-3 victory that was tightly contested and competitive until the Brazilian side pulled away in the final period.
The first period was loaded with excitement as both teams looked ready to take over. Each teams’ defense wanted differently and responded with bread efforts to keep the score as it was, tied. After only a minute in the first period, Switzerland struck first from their superstar, Dejan Stankovic. The tetracampeão did not take much time to respond and scored the equalizer with only a few minutes left in the period. The opening stage ended with the score tied at 1.
The intensity picked up enormously and the energy was palpable as both teams scored early and seemed determined to shut down the opposing. But that was more difficult than expected, though. The defenses were up to the task as the second period progressed and both squads failed to score again until the 5th minute when Brazil notched the go-ahead goal with the second hit of the match for Benjamin Jr, son to one of the brightest stars in the history of the sport. Both teams were not satisfied with the goals and added to their tally, but Brazil went into the final period with a score of 5-3 on their side.
Switzerland began the last leg with a very aggressive attack plan, and were intent on tying the score but the Brazil defense was stout and did not allow a goal on the early Swiss attacks. The Alpine saw many opportunities on free kicks and open chances on net, but were not able to capitalize. On the other end, the Brazilians also had a number of chances that they were unable to take advantage of, though they did score two crucial late goals to seal the victory at 7-3.
The first match of the tournament did not disappoint as both squads attacked and defended but the Yellow and Green withstood an early deficit but overcame to win with excellent passing and great teamwork. The final score was Brazil 7-3 Switzerland.
Goals: 0-1: Stankovic, min. 10 (1); 1-1: Benjamin Jr, min. 3 (1); 1-2: Shirinzi, min. 11 (2): 2-2: Catarino, min. 10 (2): 3-2: Benjamin Jr, min. 5 (2): 4-2: Maurecinho, min. 2 (2): 4-3: Mo, min. 1 (2): 5-3: Bokhina, min. 1 (2): 6-3: Catarino, min. 3 (3): 7-3: Benjamin Jr, min. 2 (3).
El Salvador cruises to delight of fans
The host nation earned three points in a hard-fought match against England in both teams’ first game of the tournament. El Salvador won with a score of 1-5 and clinched three points heading into the final two games of the event. England was very close on the scoreboard throughout the entire match, but were unable to secure enough goals to overcome the potent offense of the Cuscatlecos.
England was determined to eliminate the home crowd advantage by silencing the fans but neither the hosts, El Salvador, nor England were able to score an early goal. The motivation was evident and after a penalty on the Three Lions, El Salvador bagged the first goal of the match, midway through the first period. La Azul Playera took advantage of their opportunities to score, while England did not and the first period ended with a score of England 0-2 El Salvador.
Gallo’s side wasted no time in attacking the English net early in the second period, but the European side stayed steady and did not concede any early goals. England saw opportunities afforded to them but were unable to score until the midway point in the period when they cut lead in half to 1-2. The closing minutes of the frame were filled with bicycle kicks and extraordinary saves but the British could not tie the game and the hosts added two goals to end the period at 4-1, El Salvador.
The Central American side employed a very defensive and tight formation to begin the final frame, as they held onto a three goal lead. Neither team was able to score early and that was perfect for the The Salvadorians. England saw more chances on net but could not finish and the match ended with a score of England 1-5 El Salvador after the defending CONCACAF runner-ups added a late insurance goal to give Tín Ruiz the hat-trick.
El Salvador will play Switzerland next in hopes of staying undefeated at home, while the English have a difficult match in trying to rebound against the Brazilians, who won earlier in the day. El Salvador is now in a very good position, after defeating England 1-5, to capture the title as they will take on Brazil on Sunday with both teams in the driver seat for the cup.
Goals: 0-1: Agustin, min. 6 (1); 0-2: Agustin, min. 2 (1): 1-2: Clarke, min, 6 (2): 1-3: Portillo, min. 1 (2): 1-4: Frank, min. 0 (2): 1-5 Agustin, min. 0 (3).
COPA PÍLSENER FÚTBOL PLAYA 2014
Results:
Brazil 7-3 Switzerland
England 1-5 El Salvador
Games for tomorrow:
Saturday, 12th of April, 2014
16:00 – Brazil vs. England
17:15 – El Salvador vs. Switzerland
