Favourites do their job in the last stage to get to the round of 16

Italy was naturally the big issue of this latter stage of the third and last day in group stage of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Even though, all teams have offered a great spectacle, and a new day packed with flashing beach soccer action.

The last 5 matches of the day have also given way to the final configuration of the sixteen teams that will keep on competition, with their next date to be next Thursday, July 15^th, in the Round of 16 stage. The ones getting their ticket finally are France, Russia, Greece, Ukraine, Portugal, Moldova, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Switzerland, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Hungary, Spain, Netherlands and Poland.

Hard-fought showdown puts Spain into next round

Spain have needed a big effort to achieve a victory that has given them the way to the round of 16. Greece were not to make things any easy, ready to take an important opponent out of the race. Finally, the 6-5 victory of the Spaniards make a final draw of three teams, all of them having got 6 points in three matches. So goal average was to do its work to place Greece as the leader, Spin as the runner-up and Holland as the third.

Spain hit first in the opening period, only to see Paris neutralize their advantage and Kavalaris o turn things upside down again. Second period went almost by with the Spaniards fearing not to be able to win the match, since they found no way to the Greek goal. But with the time close to its end, Miguel Beiro achieved the equalizer.

Everything was to be dealt in the third period, in which the Spaniards would step forward again, thanks to a goal by twin Javi Torres. But there came Paris again for a new draw, and Triantafillidis to put the Greek ahead again. Talented Spaniards did not give up and Nico appeared over the sand of Bibione for two goals that made it 5-4 for Spain. Just a minute afterwards, Javi Torres gave his side a little peace with his second hit in the afternoon, opening a gap that Kavlaridis goal from the penalty spot could not cover.

Brilliant Italian beat Germany

Italia have come onto stage again to make their crowd go crazy with a great victory over Germany. The Azzurri have packed their football with skillful moves and their traditional physical display.

The stands were absolutely full, and people had to follow the game through the big screens of the stadium, but their support reached the players likewise. This entire beach soccer atmosphere got even more powerful when host team began displaying their game, and Di Maio took it a step beyond when opening the score at the last minute of the first period. Italians found time, to score again before the horn, though, this time being the Transalpine star Carotenuto the man in charge of making the venue tremble.

Two more goals by Carotenuto and Palmacci took the scoreboard to show a comfortable 4-0 at the third minute of the second period, and at this stage, Azzurri lowered their pace. Germany took advantage of the situation to begin the chase, by means of two goals by Caique and René, but they were always far from disturbing the Italians. Indeed, they got even further when Palmacci, with his second goal, made the score 5-2. Italy move on to the next round, so they will keep enjoying the wonderful atmosphere next Thursday, at the round of 16 qualifying stage.

England battles Portugal after weak beginning

The English National Team could not get themselves among the Last 16, after the defeat they suffered in front of Madjer’s Portugal. A bad beginning became the heaviest ballast for the Pross when they became set to make things difficult for the Portuguese.

Mateus’s squad had first half of game absolutely under control, bringing a severe 5-0 up on the scoreboard thanks to Belchior -hat-trick on his count-, Marinho and Belchior. By mid second period, England began trusting their football, but the path was too steep at that time. Even though, determined English began climbing it.

It was Mitchell the one to open England’s count, with O’Rourke to follow his track for the 5-2 right in the first seconds of the last period. Madjer decided then that he did not feel like getting nervous at all and got Portugal four goals up again. Evans’ well-aimed free kick shortened the distance but little time was left for England to attempt the unimaginable against one of the world’s most powerful sides.  

Swiss bomber Stankovic smashes Hungary

When you see ball getting next Dejan Stankovic’s left foot, there is little you can do to prevent the ball to hit the net. Hungary have heavily learnt this maxim in this afternoon’s game, in which the talented Swiss nº 9 have punished their goal with 6 goals. With this loud victory, the Alpine get themselves among the best 16.

Hungary, who were on top of the table at the beginning of the matchday, would not make it easy for those who wanted their privileged position, and Besenyei set it clear in the sixth minute of the first period. But one of the Swiss stars, Ziegler, lasted not to appear, to achieve the equalizer for his team, which was to get into the first break ahead in the score thanks to a good action by Leu.

A crazy minute when the second time was getting to its end left the score in 4-2. First, Fekete leveled the score, only to find how Stankovic unleveled it again from the very next second, and Ziegler took it further within the same minute. This way the match reached the Stankovic’s goal frenzy time. The left-footed star destroyed the Magyar with his missile and smart moves repertory, scoring up to five goals in this final stage. Spacca completed the party for Swiss side.

Estonia prove their worth against Israel

Haavistu’s squad have taken advantage of today’s game against Israel to prove they are a competitive team, although recent defeats against England and Portugal. Besides, with this result, the Estonians make group 3 to become fuzzier, joining Israel and England (who have to face Portugal) with three points. The match between the Pross and he Portuguese will determine who is to come together with Madjer’s team to the next round.

Although Iloz put Israel ahead on the score, the Estonians firmly reacted to bring the 1-5 on the score at the end of the second stage, thanks to Markson, Siska (2), Arst, Tammo and Saharov’s attempts.

That was too much distance for the Israeli, who tried to shorten the distance on the scoreboard twice, with Iloz again achieving the 5-2 and Asolin closing the fixture with 6-3. So, everything to be decided yet, whereas Portugal has his pass granted thanks to the 6 points won so far.