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Decisive victories and extra-time drama headline opening day in Batumi
The Euro Beach Soccer League Division B kicked off today in Batumi, with teams vying for vital points in a high-stakes opening day of competition. The tournament was officially inaugurated by the First Vice President of the Georgian Football Federation, Mr. Kakha Chumburidze; the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Tsotne Ananidze; the Deputy Minister of Sport and Education of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Mr. Irakli Abuladze; and BSWW Events Director, Josep Ponset.
Reflecting on the return to the Batumi, Josep Ponset expressed his pleasure at being back in a city that hosted the best beach soccer event of 2025. On behalf of Beach Soccer Worldwide, he extended sincere gratitude to the Georgian Football Federation, the Adjara Football Federation, the Government of Adjara, and the City of Batumi for their continued investment in the sport. Ponset emphasised that the organisation feels at home in Batumi, praising the fans whose passion makes it one of the world’s premier venues.
Looking ahead to the competition, Ponset thanked all the participating teams and shared his anticipation for five days of spectacular action. He concluded his remarks by inviting everyone to enjoy the tournament, adding a warm “Madloba” to the local hosts and supporters.
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Group A
Norway win 2-1 against Georgia
The opening two periods between Norway and Georgia were a tight, defensive affair, with both sides failing to find the back of the net as the match remained goalless heading into the final period.
The intensity picked up in the third period when Shamiladze finally broke the deadlock to give Georgia a 1-0 lead. However, Norway responded late in the period as Haaland equalised, forcing the match into extra time with the score locked at 1-1.
In the decisive extra time, Haaland struck again to complete his brace and secure a dramatic 2-1 victory for Norway.
Group B
Latvia win 6-3 against Slovakia
Latvia set the pace early in the opening period, establishing a solid 3-0 lead courtesy of goals from Grīslis midway through the period, followed by late strikes from Ģēgers and Pilipečuks before the first break.
The Latvian side maintained their form into the second period, where Grīslis added two more to his tally to stretch the lead further. Slovakia managed to pull one back through Letko, but they still trailed 5-1 heading into the final period of play.
Kočerigins struck early for Latvia in the third period to extend the advantage. Although Slovakia mounted a spirited comeback through a late brace from Lipovský, the deficit proved too large to overcome against a disciplined Latvian defence, and the match concluded in a 6-3 victory.
Azerbaijan win 8-3 against England
Hadjizinoviou’s goal early in the opening period gave England a 1-0 lead, an advantage they successfully held into the first break.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the second period when Sabir levelled the score at 1-1 just two minutes after the restart. Sabir then struck again to put Azerbaijan ahead 2-1 and soon doubled the cushion to 3-1. Hulme reduced the deficit for England to 3-2, but Azerbaijan responded emphatically as Sabir struck twice more to close the period with a 5-2 lead.
In the final period, Hadjizinoviou found the net for a second time to narrow the gap, but Azerbaijan refused to slow down, they added three more goals through Sahib and a brace from Miri to seal a comprehensive 8-3 victory.
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RESULTS –
Slovakia 6-3 Latvia
Azerbaijan 8-3 England
Norway 2-1 Georgia
FIXTURES – 16/07/2026
Malta vs Norway
Azerbaijan vs Slovakia
Latvia vs England
To find out more about the Euro Beach Soccer League Division B, make sure to visit beachsoccer.com!
