The English and the Orange were too much for Sweden, hosts, and Denmark in the opening of their first ever international event
England overcomes slow start and new competitor Denmark
Playing in their first Beach Soccer event of this high of caliber was a great learning experience for Denmark, but today was to be Englands´ as they won 4-1 against a very competitive Danish side. England gave up the first goal but in the end, they imposed their will on Denmark. The second period was all important for England as they scored three goals and added one for security in the third period.
Denmark did not show any sign of nerves early as they came out shooting and attacking. The defense of England was very tight though as defense was the theme of the first period. Both sides exchanged chances on goal but the goalkeepers did a great job of keeping the score close, but too many chances for Denmark finally gave way to a goal by their captain, Madsen, in the middle of the first period. That did not mean England stopped their physical attack but the period ended with a score of 1-0, advantage Denmark.
Just as the first period began, Beach Soccer newcomers, Denmark came out with intensity on the offensive and defensive end. The Euro Beach Soccer League Valence 2013 Group B winners, England did not let it affect them as their vocal goalie, Webb, tied the game up early in the second period a 1 all. The tempo slowed in the second period but the action did not as more and more shots were being fired by both sides. England scored two very quick goals in the middle of the period to highlight their experience in close games as the Three Lions took a 3-1 going into the final period.
The third period was full of marvelous opportunities for both teams but early on no one could get the ball into the net. Chances were abundant; more so for Denmark than England, in the third period but the score remained the same. In the final minutes England added another safety goal to keep the Denmark team out of reach and the match finished with a score of 4-1 England.
With the three points, England takes a big step towards securing a crucial cup victory and Denmark will take valuable experience with them into their next weekend Beach Soccer matches.
Goals: 0-1: Madsen, min. 5 (1); 1-1: Webb, min. 9 (2); 2-1: Clarke, min. 5 (2); 3-1: Temple, min. 5 (2); 4-1: Day, min. 1 (3);
Host and newcomer Sweden loses to The Netherlands
With the win, The Netherlands spoiled the coming out party for the Swedes. In the Beach Soccer Worldwide Sweden Cup 2013 opening game for the host team, the Swedish National team showcased their love and development of the sport but came up short against the established visiting teams. The Netherlands took an early lead and never looked back as they went on to win 9-3.
Sweden missed an early direct kick from close range in the middle of the first and The Netherlands made sure they capitalized on the ensuing counter to take a 1-0 lead. The first period saw one team, The Netherlands, capitalize on chances, and one team, Sweden, squander their opportunities. The first period ended with the score of 4-0.
The second period began how the first period ended, with the Netherlands asserting their power showing why they are such a respected team. They scored quickly in the period to keep the Swedes from gaining any momentum. Every time the Swedish team went on the offensive or caught a small break, The Netherlands would thwart the attack. Though, in the middle of the period Sweden did score their first ever international goal in top-caliber play. The crowd was just as excited as the team as Almir, beat his man and was left one on one with the goalie. The Swede did not miss. However, the scoring onslaught was relentless from The Netherlands and they lead by a score of 7-1 going into the final period.
If there was any frustration from the Swedish side, it never showed as the Swedes came out and scored on the opening kick of the third period. It energized the team as the defense stiffened up and the offense became more potent. The Swedish squad took more and more chances in the third and they ended up scoring two goals in the period while only giving up one. The Orange Clockwork speed was just too overwhelming as it seemed like they were playing with six men. This was obviously not the case but they did prevent any chance of a comeback and won 9-3.
This first game for Sweden and event in Sweden is more evidence of the growth of the most exciting sport on sand. It was a learning experience for Sweden and the country has already laid the groundwork for a great future in Beach Soccer. The three points, well-earned by The Netherlands, will serve as a goal for the Swedes to strive for, sooner rather than later.
Goals: 0-1: Van Den Ouweland, min. 7 (1); 0-2: Klijbroek, min. 3 (1); 0-3: Ax, min. 1 (1); 0-4: Ax, min. 1 (1); 0-5: Ran, min. 11 (2); 1-5: Almir, min. 5 (2); 1-6: V. Gessel, min. 5 (2); 1-7: Koswal, min. 3 (2); 2-7: Almir, min. 11(3); 2-8: Van Der Geest, min. 7 (3); 3-8: Saikao, min. 7 (3).; 3-9: Van der Ouweland, min. 1 (3);
Match Results:
Friday, 12th of July, 2013
England 4-1 Denmark
Sweden 3-9 The Netherlands
Upcoming Matches:
Saturday, 13th of July, 2013
15:00 ? Denmark vs Sweden
16:15 ? England vs The Netherlands
