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Italy, Switzerland and Spain win big ib opening at Jesolo, with Azerbaijan and England upsetting Czech Rep. and Greece, and France bending Estonia
Azerbaijan takes first step towards World Cup
The 4-1 win for Azerbaijan over the Czech Republic was similar to their victory in the Promotion Final in Torredembarra in August of this year. In that match, the Czech Republic took the early lead but could not sustain the momentum. Things were similar in this match as the Czechs set the tone early and took the lead but Azerbaijan showed real grit by coming back and then taking the big lead. The win puts Azerbaijan at the top of Group C going into an extremely difficult match against Spain on Saturday. The Czech Republic is still alive and will have the chance to rebound against Bulgaria on Saturday as well.
The two nations began their road to qualifying for the World Cup with much fervor and both looked poised at times to score the first goal, but it did not initially come until the final minutes of the opening frame when Chalupa slotted home a header off of a pinpoint throw-in. Azerbaijan have built a name for themselves as fighters and inevitably they clawed back and leveled things on an empty net goal, but that was just the beginning as they knocked home a great long distance shot to take their first lead of the game at 2-1, heading into the final period.
The Czech Republic began the third period by playing very aggressive and physical but that left their defense open and a team like Azerbaijan will make you pay for that. The Azerbaijani capitalized on the porous defense and scared two quick goals in the opening minutes of the last frame to take a commanding 4-1 lead. The two sides exchanged chances throughout the remainder of the period but neither side hit the back of the net and when the final whistle blew, Azerbaijan was up 4-1.
Goals: 1-0: Chalupa, min. 1 (1); 1-1: Sabir, min. 10 (2); 1-2: Ali, min. 1 (2); 1-3: Ali, min. 9 (3); 1-4: Asif, min. 9 (3).
Swiss offense in form after big win
The 14-0 victory for Switzerland over Slovakia was complete, and dominant. Slovakia had shots and partially controlled possession in every period but were unable to close the flood gates that was the Swiss offense or find the back of the net themselves. Switzerland was in great form on the attack and defense from the opening minutes and they rode that energy to the big win. The Swiss will next play on Sunday against Estonia, looking to earn three more points. Slovakia will have their next opportunity against France on Sunday.
Switzerland missed out on the last World Cup and wanted to make sure that they did not face the same fate again, and they took control early against Slovakia with a quick goal from Stalder. Stankovic added another goal for the Swiss as they took the 2-0 lead going into the middle of the period. Slovakia fought hard and did well to save the majority of shots that they saw, but the potent offense of Switzerland is always a threat and proved it when Mo scored his first of the match to put his side up 3-0. A late goal from Ott put the Nati up 4-0 going into the first break. The middle frame began just where the second left off, with the Swiss scoring, this time from Borer, to go up 5-0. Switzerland wanted more goals to help get their offense clicking, however they also wanted to keep a clean sheet and they added four more second period goals to put themselves up 8-0 going into the final break.
Slovakia was facing a nearly impossible mountain to climb but they looked ready to score at a moment’s notice and were playing very loose, but they did not find that elusive first goal and at the beginning of the third period, Switzerland added to their lead on three goals from Stankovic, giving the Swiss Bomber four goals on the day. The big Swiss goal scorer added a late goal also, bringing his personal tally to five goals on the day, and. Spacca scored late, along with Mo´s third of the match, to finish the game up 14-0.
Goals: 0-1: Stalder, min. 10 (1); 0-2: Stankovic, min. 9 (1); 0-3: Mo, min. 6 (1); 0-4: Ott, min. 2 (1); 0-5: Borer, min. 10 (2); 0-6: Spacca, min. 6 (2); 0-7: Mo, min. 5 (2); 0-8: Lutz, min. 2 (2); 0-9: Stankovic, min. 0 (2); 0-10: Stankovic, min. 10 (3); 0-11: Stankovic, min. 8 (3); 0-12: Stankovic, min. 3 (3); 0-13: Spacca, min. 2 (3); 0-14: Mo, min. 0 (3).
England begins qualifiers with big upset of Greece
England’s 5-3 win over Greece was just as exciting as it was dramatic. England took a surprising early lead, but as has happened before, it looked like England would give up the lead, however their victory over the battle-tested Division A team, shows why anything can happen. The Three Lions used their top scorers and some new ones to build a lead and then defiantly fend off Greece. England will next play on Sunday with the possibility of securing a berth into the second group phase. Greece still control their own destiny and can make a strong statement against Italy on Saturday.
If England came into the match being the underdog, no one told them as they came out playing confident and very well early on, and the Three Lions even notched the first goal on a great cross then finish from Farquharson. England tacked on another goal shortly after, extending their lead to 2-0. Greece has a long list of goal scorers themselves and showed that when one of their top goal getters and captain, Triantafyllidis scored his first of the match to bring Greece within 2-1, which is how the first period would end. The opening minutes of the second period were played to a draw as both sides had seemed to figure out the others’ offense. The clouds cleared and England once again were the first to strike pay dirt, this time on a penalty from Corbett and then a beautiful turn and strike from Clarke, to put the English up 4-1. Similar to the first period, Greece found their legs again late in the period as their captain scored his second goal of the game to bring his side to within two goals at 4-2 going into the final break.
The Hellenic opened the final period on such a rapid pace that England could not find their offensive rhythm, and the Greeks used that speed to scored their straight unanswered goal to make the score 4-3, as England clung to the one goal lead. Near the midway point in the period, Greece thought they had scored the coveted equalizer but there was a whistled penalty just before the shot, all of which added to the late drama. Beach Soccer is always a game of missed and made opportunities, and just as Greece could not score on the one end, England capitalized on a direct kick from Day, just seconds later, to restore the two goal England lead. The English squad then tightened their defense and kept the Greeks from scoring again and the buzzer sounded with England still up 5-3.
Goals: 1-0: Farquharson, min. 9 (1); 2-0: Lawson, min. 6 (1); 2-1: Triantafyllidis, min. 5 (1); 3-1: Corbett, min. 7 (2); 4-1: Clarke, min. 4 (2); 4-2: Triantafyllidis, min. 2 (2); 4-3: Amanatidis, min. 10 (3); 5-3: Day, min. 6 (3).
Belarus hangs on for tough win over Turkey
The 2-1 win for Belarus over Turkey was extremely pivotal in both teams’ chances of advancing to the next stage, as their other group team is Russia, two-time defending Euro Beach Soccer League and FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Champions. The game was tight throughout with both teams being unable to maintain their momentum and break things over or put away the opponent. Belarus took the early lead and had to work hard to keep their distance from the Crescent Stars. Belarus will next play Russia on Sunday and they now have the leg-up in Group B. Turkey can make a stand against Russia on Saturday.
Shots on goal, no matter how high quality the look was the theme of the opening few minutes of the period as both teams were shooting from all over the pitch, though Belarus maintained much of the possession, neither side was able to score early. Things remained level, even as Turkey began winning loose balls and gaining possession, but the first goal came near the end of the period, from Belarus, to put their squad up 1-0 at the end of the first period. Neither side waited to take their chances on the attack but after some exciting flurries of flick headers, direct kicks, and amazing bicycles, the defenses seemed to gel and limit the opposing attempts on goal. That did not change heading into the latter half of the period but Belarus did manage to double their advantage on a shot from distance that was so fast and powerful that no keeper could have stopped it. The middle frame came to a conclusion with Belarus up 2-0.
The action began immediately at the restart in the final period, with a shot that was saved off the line by Turkey, who then turned around to go on the attack with Cem culminating the counter with a goal to put Turkey down by only one goal at 2-1. The proceedings continued to intensify as both sides knew what was at stake. The teams exchanged blows but going into the final minutes of the game, there had been no more goals. Turkey went on a late rampage looking for the equalizer but they were unable to get it and their lone goal in the period proved to be their only one of the match as the game finished with Belarus up 2-1.
Goals: 1-0: Bokach, min.3 (1); 2-0: Kanstantsinau, min. 5 (2); 2-1: Cem, min. 11 (3).
France puts in complete effort for win over Estonia
France’s 4-1 victory over Estonia was passionate for many reasons, including the obvious qualifying for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015, but also because France was aiming for a shut-out, then after conceding a late goal, they saw the Estonians string together some great runs but the Blue Shirts could not put enough pressure on the French defense to break through completely. France will continue their run to the World Cup on Sunday against Slovakia, while Estonia will look for their first win and points on Sunday against Switzerland.
France had a dream start to the game and scored early on a shot from one of their many stars, François, to put the French up 1-0. Despite the early deficit, Estonia played extremely well to keep things close. Les Bleus did double the lead late in the period, to go up 2-0 heading into the first break. France again began quick, using their third different scorer to put the score at 3-0. Basquaise netted his second goal of the match near the end of the second period to give his team the 4-0 lead. Estonia was not holding back and was looking for the attack, however their many shots on goal did not prove any real danger for the French.
The final period had France trying their hardest to keep Estonia off the score board and through two and a half periods, they did just that. Barely passed the midway point in the final period, Estonia scored their first goal, to pull within three goals at 4-1. The Estonians were inspired but the change that was made in goal for the closing period, as the new keeper did well to keep the French from scoring in the final period. The Baltic side found themselves in the French half more and more but the French goalie, Ben Boina, played very well in the match and made some spectacular saves to stop Estonia from mounting the big comeback. When the final seconds had ticked away, France was up 4-1.
Goals: 1-0: Francois, min. 8 (1); 2-0: Basquaise, min. 2 (1); 3-0: Lauthe, min. 10 (2); 4-0: Basquaise, min. 2 (2); 4-1: Marmor, min. 4 (3).
Spain sets tone early and cruise to victory
The 8-1 win for Spain over Bulgaria was a thorough display of offense, defense, and goalkeeping as La Furia Roja utilized every asset of their skill set to exert their dominance. Bulgaria began very fast and held the Spanish back but once Spain broke through they never looked back despite giving up a late first period goal to get within two. The win puts Spain in a great position to win their group and their next match against Azerbaijan on Saturday. Bulgaria will next take on the Czech Republic on Sunday, where they will be looking for their first points and to get back on track.
Facing a tough challenge like defeating a team of Spain’s caliber sounds just as tough as it actually is though Bulgaria began playing very sound defense and countering when possible. These tactics kept Spain at bay for a bit but near the midway point of the period, the worlds’ best goalkeeper, Dona, struck home the games’ first goal. A switch in goal for Bulgaria did not stop Spain from scoring again as Ezequiel tapped in a shot after picture perfect passing and teamwork led to the simple score. Spain kept the golden goose egg on the scoreboard and went into the first break up 2-0. The first goal of the second period came much quicker than the games’ first goal as R. Merida knocked home Spain’s third score less than two minutes into proceedings. Bulgaria made the post of their best chance, when they were awarded a penalty kick and Filipov made sure he did not miss, to bring the Lions to within 2 goals at 3-1. Spain maintained their killer instinct and quickly responded with two quick goals from Llorenç and Antonio to push their lead to 5-1, which is how the period would end.
Spain was not comfortable with their big lead and were determined to add to, one reason was to perfect their offensive attacks and another was to prevent players like Filipov that have the ability to score anywhere on the pitch, did not start feeling confident enough to do just that. Bulgaria has overcome some big deficits in their history but none this big against a team like Spain. Being down did not intimidate the Bulgarians as they pushed and pushed but were not able to put a real scare in Spain. Spain looked content with their lead and were just as happy when they final whistle sounded as they were up 8-1 after three 3third period goals.
Goals: 0-1: Dona, min. 7 (1); 0-2: Ezequiel, min. 3 (1); 0-3: R. Merida, min. 10 (2); 1-3: Filipov, min. 9 (2); 1-4: Llorenç, min. 8 (2); 1-5: Antonio, min. 7 (2); 1-6: Juanma, min. 7 (3); 1-7: Kuman, min. 2 (3); 1-8: R. Merida, min. 2 (3).
Italy overcomes early fight from Moldova to win big
Italy’s 11-3 win started how you might expect, with Italy scoring twice and quickly. What you might not have seen coming was the how quickly the two goal lead was erased by the feisty Moldova squad. Moldova could not match the Italian through the entire match and in the end they had dug themselves into too big a hole to get out of. Italy will face Greece on Saturday in hopes of securing a spot in the second Group Phase. They are already well on their way to that goal. Moldova will be encouraged by their initial energy and heart and they will build on that for their next match against England on Friday.
Italy took the first bites of the cherry but they did not lead to a goal until Corosiniti banged in a rebound off a direct kick saved by Moldova’s keeper. Zurlo, of Italy, quickly added to the Italian lead with his own goal, but not to be outdone, on the restart, the Moldovans scored to get one goal back. Just to show the hometown team that they weren’t intimidated, Moldova scored the equalizer on a penalty kick to put the score at 2-all. The Azzurri then turned on the afterburners again and scored two more quick goals to restore their two goal lead. Italy finished off an amazing set of plays from both teams that had the ball stay in the air for what seemed like an hour before Palmacci struck gold with the shot. The only thing that could stop the goals from flowing was the end of the period which sounded with Italy up 6-2. If anyone thought they had seen the most exciting plays in the opening period, they would be sorely mistaken as Gori scored his second of the match and the period’s first goal on one of the all-time great individual efforts to put his team up 7-2. Italy pushed their lead to 6 goals on a last second goal from Marinai to make the score 8-2 going into the last break.
The final period was played at quick pace, although the goals did not come as easily as earlier, Italy did not lose their edge and still played to the Moldovans from scoring again and they also scored an early goal in the frame to go up 9-2. The goal was the third of the match for Corosiniti, giving the Italians their first hat-trick from a team that is loaded with scorers. Italy was not letting up but the goalie for Moldova was very solid in the final period and prevented more shots from scoring all the while his offense was attempting to pressure the Italian defense but at the same time they could not chip away at the big lead. Moldova had not scored since the first period, until late in the match when Budigai nailed a shot past Spada, of Italy, to make the score 10-3, advantage Italy. Ramacciotti became the sixth Italian to score when he nailed a shot late in the game to put his side up 11-3, which is how the match would end.
Goals: 0-1: Corosiniti, min. 9 (1); 0-2: Zurlo, min. 9 (1); 1-2: Baesu, min. 9 (1); 2-2: Baesu, min. 7 (1); 2-3: Corosiniti, min. 6 (1); 2-4: Del Mestre, min. 6 (1); 2-5: Palmacci, min. 1 (1); 2-6: Gori, min. 1 (1); 2-7: Gori, min. 8 (2); 2-8: Palmacci, min. 0 (2); 2-9: Corosiniti, min. 9 (3); 2-10: Corosiniti, min. 6 (3); 3-10: Budigai, min. 1 (3); 3-11: Ramacciotti, min. 0 (3).
FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP 2015 – EUROPE QUALIFIER JESOLO-ITALY
Results today:
Friday 05.09.14
09:00 – Czech Republic 1-4 Azerbaijan (Group C)
10:15 – Slovakia 0-14 Switzerland (Group D)
11:30 – England 5-3 Greece (Group A)
12:45 – Belarus 2-1 Turkey (Group B)
14:00 – France 4-1 Estonia (Group D)
15:15 – Bulgaria 1-8 Spain (Group C)
17:45 – Moldova 11-3 Italy (Group A)
Matches for tomorrow:
Saturday 06.09.14
09:00 – Romania vs. Hungary (Group F)
10:15 – England vs. Moldova (Group A)
12:45 – Germany vs. Norway (Group E)
14:00 – Austria vs. Poland (Group F)
15:15 – Latvia vs. Ukraine (Group E)
16:30 – Russia vs. Turkey (Group B)
17:45 – Italy vs. Greece (Group A)
