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Men's Division A action got proceedings started on the opening day in Alghero
The Euro Beach Soccer League 2023 got started in Alghero, Italy on Tuesday as seven Men’s Division A fixtures took place on the sands of Sardinia…
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Group A
Belarus dominate to kick-start Group A
Belarus beat Moldova 9-1.
Group A started with a clash between Belarus and Moldova, as the nations hoped to gain their first three points in Alghero.
It was an emphatic first period for the Belarusians, slamming the ball home four times with four different scorers, without a Moldovan response.
Belarus continued where they left off, in the second period, increasing their lead to 6-0. Drosd netted his double for Belarus’ fifth, whilst Piatrouski made it six.
Pure relentlessness was displayed in the final 12 minutes by Belarus, scoring three more goals through Bokach, Hapon and Ryabko for his brace. With moments remaining in the fixture, Ignat scored a consolation goal for Moldova but it was too late for his side.
An extremely convincing performance from Belarus, to get off to winning ways in Group A.
The hosts impress in Sardinia
Italy defeat Greece 5-2.
Host nation, Italy welcomed Greece in the final match of the opening day, in Group A.
Giordani sent the Italians ahead with a stunning bicycle kick, which the home crowd were overjoyed with. It got even better for the hosts in the opening period, as Genovali slotted the ball into the bottom corner from a penalty and Zurlo found the third.
With work to be done by the Greek side in the second period, Mikelatos scored Greece’s first of the fixture, but Remedi restored Italy’s three-goal advantage as the period ended 4-1.
The final period saw two more goals, as Mikelatos and Remedi completed their braces. As the match ended, the Italian team received a huge applause from the home support after an inspiring win.
Group B
Azerbaijan secure victory in a sensational opener
Azerbaijan win 3-1 on penalties against Türkiye.
The first Group B fixture of the tournament saw Azerbaijan face Türkiye, with both sides looking to get points on the board in their opening fixture.
It was perfect opening period for the Azerbaijanis, as they led 2-0 after 12 minutes played in Alghero. Sabir’s free-kick broke the deadlock, which was followed by a Nazarov bicycle kick with just over two minutes remaining in the period.
Despite the bright start from Azerbaijan, Türkiye fought back strong in the second period. Türkiye netted their first of the match, as Cem Keskin`s overhead strike was tapped home by Volkan from close range and they were back on level terms shortly after, as Cem Keskin converted from the penalty spot.
With the scores level with 12 minutes to play in Sardinia, both nations were desperate to win and the period certainly didn’t disappoint, as both sides hit the back of the net on three occasions in the third phase of play. Nazarov achieved his brace in the fixture, whilst Sabir and Orkan also scored for Azerbaijan. Volkan completed his hat-trick in the period, as Cem Keskin scored a second.
After neither side could score in extra-time, the match was decided on penalties. Azerbaijan won 3-1 in the shootout to win their opening group stage fixture.
Ott in fine form, as Switzerland are victorious
Switzerland win 8-3 against Romania.
European Games gold medalists, Switzerland began their EBSL 2023 campaign against Romania in the second Group B fixture of the day.
The first period was extremely entertaining, with goals coming at both ends of the pitch. However, the main star of the opening period was Noel Ott, who scored a hat-trick within 10 minutes of the fixture starting. Swiss team mate, Hodel also netted a brace, as Romania netted twice through Neag and Daniel, but trailed by three after the first period ended.
Man of the moment, Ott found the target once again in the second period for his fourth of the tie, as goalkeeper, Eliott Mounoud found the net and Hodel completed his hat-trick.
In the final period, Marian pulled one back for the Romanians, but Switzerland held up strong to see out a well-deserved victory.
Group C
Estonia take the points in extra-time
Estonia defeat France 5-4.
France and Estonia got proceedings started in Group C, as both nations wanted to start the Euro Beach Soccer League 2023 in a positive way.
Only one goal split the two sides after the opening period came to its conclusion, as Marmor’s effort put Estonia ahead with less than four minutes left on the clock.
It was goals galore in the second period, as six goals were scored between the teams. France’s goals came courtesy of Bru, Gharbi and Constant, whilst Marmor found his second of the match and Rump and Thomson found the others for Estonia, as they took a one goal advantage into the last period.
France found their equaliser in the third period, as Barbotti took the match to extra-time. However, it was Estonia who struck during the three additional minutes, as the ball nestled in the net from Thomson’s close range hit.
A hard fought victory for Estonia in their first match in Sardinia.
Portugal hit double digits
Portugal overcome Denmark 10-4.
The second Group C match of the day saw Denmark face Portugal in Alghero.
Axel Damm got the scoring started in Sardinia, putting Denmark ahead inside four minutes. However, Portugal showed resilience, finding the net three times before the period came to a close, through Jordan and a Bernardo brace.
Portugal repeated their goal scoring form in the second period, with Leo Martins and Pintado finding the scoresheet and Jordan doubling his tally. The Danes also found a goal of their own in the period, as Damm scored once again.
Four more goals came for the Portuguese side in the final period to take their scoring into double figures, as Pintado completed his hat-trick, Leo Martins found his second and Coimbra hit the back of the net. Lyng and goalkeeper, Madsen scored Denmark’s third and fourth goals in the fixture, but the margin between the two teams was to big to make up as the final horn sounded.
Group D
Spain score six
Spain defeat Germany 6-1.
In the Group D fixture of the day, Spain faced Germany, with both nations knowing how important an opening day victory could mean for momentum in the group stage.
Spain burst out the blocks, leading 3-0 with less than six minutes played in the opening period via David and a Chiky brace. However, Germany reduced the deficit with two minutes until the first break, through a Thürk strike.
Suli Batis netted the only goal of the second period, restoring the Spaniards three-goal advantage once again heading into the third and final period.
Spain completed their quest for three points in the third period, as a wonderful team goal was converted by Oliver, and Arias found the fifth to triumph on the first day of the Euro Beach Soccer League.
To find out more about the Euro Beach Soccer League – Superfinal Alghero 2023, make sure to visit beachsoccer.com!
Results
Group A
Belarus 9-1 Moldova
Greece 2-5 Italy
Group B
Azerbaijan 5-5 Türkiye (Azerbaijan win 3-1 on penalties)
Romania 3-8 Switzerland
Group C
France 4-5 Estonia (after extra-time)
Denmark 4-10 Portugal
Group D
Spain 6-1 Germany
