Paraguay’s Pedro Moran speaks to Beach Soccer Worldwide ahead of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in his home country
2019 promises to be an historic year for the nation of Paraguay, who host the tenth edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup between 21 November and 1 December.
Pedro Moran has a decorated history in the competition and, just days before the global show piece kicks off in his country, the Albirroja star striker shared some of his memories from the past, and visions for the future with Beach Soccer Worldwide.
Moran was born 9 June 1990 in the Paraguayan capital, Asunción. He is the second of six siblings and started playing football at the tender age of 10 at Club 24 de Setiembre de Valle Pucú in his home town of Areguá.
“I kept playing and rising through the categories until 2013 when I was called up to play for the national beach soccer team.” He recalls.
The call up in 2013 came on the back of Moran playing his first beach soccer tournament, the national championship with his hometown team, and that year they lifted the trophy.
“It was after this victory, the I was called by the national team coach at the time, Cayo Villalba, and just a week later, I played my first friendly match against Brazil.”
“That same year we managed to qualify for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti 2013 and I have participated in every edition of the world cup since then.”
Paraguay’s best result in the global championships came in the last edition in Bahamas 2017, where they reached the Quarter-Finals, a record which they will be looking to break on home sand this year.
Moran plays at a high enough level to make his living from playing beach soccer professionally, and has made a name for himself in Europe in recent years. “In 2018 I started playing in Italy” states the Paraguayan. “In 2019 I returned, winning the Italian Scudetto with Sambenedettesse which, I have to say, is my biggest personal achievement to date.”
One person stands out for Pedro Moran in his beach soccer journey… “Guga has been my biggest reference and influence. He came to our team and changed it for good. He always finds the way to unite the team members.”
And in terms of current influences on the sand? “It has to be Brazil’s Datinha. He is so calm as a person but he is so strong when he plays on the pitch.”
The attention of the prolific goal-threat now turns to the World Cup, which is set to start in just two days in Asuncion. “It is a unique feeling to know that you will be playing in your home country in front of all your friends and family members.”
“In Paraguay we’ve never had a world cup before, in any discipline, and everyone is looking forward to it. We are committed to our people and our goal is to make the trophy stay in Paraguay as Portugal managed to do in 2015”.
Honours
Winner – adidas Golden Boot (FBSWC Portugal 2015)
Winner – Italian Scudetto 2019 with Sambenedettesse
Top Scorer – Copa Pilsener El Salvador 2014
Winner – Liga Sudamericana 2017 and 2018
Winner – FBSWC Bahamas 2017 CONMEBOL Qualifier (Paraguay)
