Hosts lose out on opening day in China

Wins for Uruguay and Mexico see hosts China slip down the table on day one

After much anticipation, the – prepare yourself – Goalfun CFA China-Latin America Beach Soccer Championship Tangshan 2018 got underway today. 

The visiting Latin American teams were eager to pick up some points after travelling to the other side of the world, but the hosts went into day one equally eager to impress the home crowd and take some victories on home sand.

China v Uruguay 

The opening game of the competition saw China entertain their first guests, Migual Aguirre Zabala’s Uruguay.

Showing little by way of courtesy to their hosts, Uruguay opened the scoring through a Santiago Miranda brace in the opening period. Before long the two-goal lead was extended to three. But just before the first whistle, China struck back when Wang Cunde found the net.

The second period started with Ramiro Amarelle’s side trailing by one goal to three. Unfortunately for China, they were unable to find the net again, and the Uruguayan lead was extended to 1-4, then 1-5 and when Bella complete a brace of his own the hosts were well beaten.

They will now look to the future, as tomorrow they have another chance at some points against Chile, who were in action against Mexico in the later fixture…

Chile v Mexico       

Andres Carrasco Ramirez’s side started the stronger of the two teams in day one’s second match. An Andres Albuerno opener put Chile on the front foot within just two minutes.

But a reply came swiftly from Mexico, who had been unable to pick up a single point in the Mundialito Almada a few months ago, and were therefore looking for a more fruitful campaign on this trip. 

Two quick fire goals brought Ramon Raya’s side back on level terms and then almost immediately after, in front. Chile would not regain the lead that they had enjoyed for all of two minutes, as Jose Ramon Maldonado completed a brace to widen the gap to 1-3.

Chile pulled one back, but a third period goal from Benjamin Jesus put the game to bed and Mexico will face the victors from the earlier game, Uruguay, tomorrow.

Remember that you can follow all the action, including fixtures, results and standings, on the Beach Soccer Worldwide website.