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MY BEACH SOCCER 
The Brazil coach hailed some of the surprise packages at the recent FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualifiers.
Brazil coach Gilberto Costa was left mightily impressed by some of the less traditional sides at the recent FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualifier in Jesolo and has warned that his side are taking nothing for granted in their quest to reach the Bahamas.
The Selecao boss was present at the qualification event in Italy earlier this month as Poland caused a stir by knocking out two-time World Cup champions Russia to qualify alongside Italy, Portugal and Switzerland.
Gilberto’s men will head to Dubai for the Intercontinental Cup at the end of October as they continue to prepare for CONMEBOL’s qualification event in Assuncao, Paraguay, next year and the former UAE boss says he has been impressed by the state of beach soccer in Europe.
“The qualifiers were played well, very balanced, and with many games decided in the final seconds,” he said.
“Some of the less traditional countries had strong defences and the highlight undoubtedly was Poland who, with a great goalkeeper and a solid team, eliminated Ukraine, the European champions, and Russia, the two-time world champions.
“Poland still had Saganowski, a player of 40 years, the leader of the team, scoring decisive goals and he was fundamental to their return to the World Cup after 11 years away.
“Some of the more popular teams had difficulty in the championship. Germany, for example, have evolved considerably recently and played a great game against Italy only to lose in the last second of the game.
“Azerbaijan eliminated Spain and Turkey by showcasing some great beach soccer as well as tactical discipline while Belarus played well and France had a great championship – it was a well played tournament.”
Four-time World Cup winners Brazil will be strong favourites to be one of the three teams to qualify from South America, although Gilberto maintains he is taking nothing for granted after seeing Russia, Ukraine and Spain all miss out.
As well as speaking to other coaches and players, the Brazil boss met Daniel Johnson, Minister of Sport in the Bahamas, while in Jesolo, and added: “He was very friendly and said he wants to see the Brazilian team in the Bahamas and that we will be made very welcome. I told him that we are working hard for that.
“Some people have commented that the absence of Russia opens things up for Brazil. I do not agree, firstly out of respect for all other countries, and secondly because we are not qualified for the World Cup. We need to do our homework and continue planning.
“It is important to listen [to other coaches] and exchange ideas. This is an important exchange to understand how they see the sport, especially with Brazilian technicians from other countries.
“It is healthy for beach soccer. We have the qualifiers ahead and it will be an even competition at the highest level, so our focus is on preparing to finish the job. We can only think of the World Cup if we are qualified.”
