Euro Beach Soccer League Superfinal Alghero 2024 – Day 2 round-up

Spain, Belarus and Portugal on maximum points after two matches

The second matchday in Alghero took place, as group stage action continued in Sardinia…

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Group A
Spain win 5-2 against Estonia.
Estonia made a strong start, scoring the only goal of the first period through Kigaste, despite Munskind receiving a caution card. However, they failed to maintain their momentum in the second period, allowing Spain to take control. Domingo found the back of the net and Chiky Ardil scored a brace, putting Spain in a comfortable 3-1 lead.

The third period was marked by Estonia’s struggles with discipline, as they received two additional yellow cards. Alaväli scored a consolation goal for Estonia, but Spain’s Suli Batis and D. Ardil responded with goals of their own, securing a 5-2 victory for Spain. Estonia’s inability to build on their strong start ultimately cost them the match.

The win marks two in a row for Spain, and Estonia has failed to win a match yet.

Italy win 4-3 against Germany, after extra-time.
In a thrilling encounter, host Italy edged out Germany in a match that ended goalless in the first period, but Genovali’s goal in the second period gave Italy the lead. However, Germany fought back in the third period, scoring through Baaske and Peterson to take a 2-1 lead.

Just as Germany thought they had the win, Giordani’s late equaliser for Italy placed the match on a 2:2 score line and sent the match into extra time. The drama continued in extra time, as Olli and Fazzini exchanged goals, again with a 3-3 tie. But Sciaccia had the final say, scoring the winner for Italy less than a minute from the end of extra time.

The match was marked by disciplinary issues, with Italy’s Remedi receiving two caution events before being red-carded. Germany also received two caution events in a physical and intense match.

Group B
Switzerland win 6-4 against France, after extra-time.
The highly anticipated match between Switzerland and France kicked off with Switzerland’s Steinemann receiving the first yellow card. France quickly capitalised, taking a 2-0 lead with goals from Vernhet and Basquaise in the first period. Switzerland fought back, with Ott scoring a crucial goal late in the second period to narrow the deficit to 2-1.

The third period was a thrilling affair, with Ott scoring a brace and Hodel adding another goal for Switzerland. Salim and Vernhet responded for France and the match ended 4-4 at full-time, sending it into extra time. Despite a strong French effort, Switzerland’s Hodel and Spacca scored successive goals in extra time, securing a 6-4 victory and their first win in two games.

Switzerland’s comeback, a turning point and France’s resilience make for an exciting contest. France will look to bounce back from their second consecutive loss.

Belarus win 8-0 against Moldova.
In the second Group B game, Belarus dominated the match against Moldova, securing a convincing victory. The first period saw Belarus take control, scoring four goals through Chaikouski, Bokach, Bryshtsel (twice). Moldova struggled to find their footing, receiving a red card midway into the second period, their second in two games.

Belarus added two more goals through Chaikouski and Hapon to increase their tally, while Bokach and Ustinovich also found the net. Moldova’s defence was unable to cope with Belarus’ relentless pressure, as they were unable to score a single goal throughout the match.

The final score of 8-0 reflects Belarus’ superiority, with Chaikouski, Bokach, and Bryshtsel each scoring a brace.

Group C
Czechia win 5-3 on penalties against Poland, after a 2-2 draw in the match.
The second Group C match between Poland and Czechia kicked off with the first period ending goalless, but Poland’s Niesler broke the deadlock 5 minutes into the second period. However, Czechia quickly responded with 2 goals successively from Trampota and Kortvelyesi to take the lead.

Trailing a goal behind Czechia, Poland’s Pietrasiak received the first yellow card of the game, but levelled the game for his side early in the third period. The match ended 2-2 at full-time, sending the game into extra time. Despite the intense pressure, neither team could decide the game, leading to a penalty shootout. Czechia emerged victorious, winning the shootout 5-3.

The Polish team put up a strong fight, but Czechia’s accuracy in the shootout secured their win. The victory is a recovery from their day 1 loss to Portugal.

Portugal win 4-1 against Denmark.
The match between Portugal and Denmark began cautiously, with both teams failing to score in the first period. However, Portugal exploded into action in the second period, netting four goals through Coimbra, Jordan, Pedro Mano, and M. Pintado. Denmark struggled to cope with Portugal’s onslaught, receiving two yellow cards.

Denmark’s Levin scored a consolation goal in the third period, but it was too little, too late. Portugal’s second-period blitz had already sealed the win. The 4-1 victory marks another impressive performance from Portugal, who continue to assert their ambition in the tournament.