STORE 
MY BEACH SOCCER 
They could not let it happen… Mexico could not let the hundreds and hundreds of passionate souls that packed the Unidad Deportiva Agustín Flores Contreras down. And they did not. Although the match became really really uphill, the Azteca, all breed, turned the score around and snatched the scepter back thanks to Barbosa’s poker. Barbosa’s poker, Estrada’s hands and the team’s spirit were absolutely relevant for this to happen, together with the power of the stands, which turned the stadium into a real hell.
Although the strong atmosphere they had over their heads, current title holders were not to make things any easy at all. Goals by Elías and Frank, tournament’s top scorer and mvp, became the best of medicines against the passion they had to fight against. But, unfortunately for them, that three strokes were not enough to break the Mexican dream, nor heavy enough to make Raya’s side unable to turn over. The Azteca were incredibly determined and strong-willed, and Antonio Barbosa was the one pointed to bring all this commitment onto the score. The Mexican number 7 fought for every ball, pursued every pass, and crashed against all defenders until he saw the ball get into the net up to four times.
México seemed absolutely unstoppable at that point. No crack to be found on their defense, and if there to be one, there was Estrada –appointed as the best goalkeeper- to appear and clear any of the Salvadorian chances. Another of the hosts key players, number 10 Rosales, brilliantly managed to get his name on the report, too, with the fifth hit for his team, almost finishing the game. El Salvador became then unable to react. Their opponent was too big, too invulnerable, and despite having performed an excellent tournament, they could not retain the CONCACAF throne. Notwithstanding, the Cuscatlecos had already achieved the big prize, and they will be in Italy next summer, taking part in the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011.
Goals : 0-1 : Elías, min. 2 (1) ; 0-2 : Frank, min. 11 (3) ; 1-3 : Barbosa, min. 7 (2) ; 2-3 : Barbosa, min. 7 (2) ; 3-3 : Barbosa, min. 2 (3) ; 4-3 : Barbosa, min. 4 (3) ; 5-3 : Rosales, min. 9 (3)
Amazing comeback run gives the USA the bronze
Final standings
1-México*
2- El Salvador*
3- USA
4- Costa Rica
* Qualify for FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011
Individual awards
Ross Ongaro (CAN) – FIFA Fair Play
Estrada (MEX) – Best Goalkeeper
Frank (SLV) – Top Scorer – 12 goals
Frank (SLV) – MVP
Results
Wednesday
01.12.10
Costa Rica 5-2 Bahamas
El Salvador 6-3 Canada
Guatemala 2-6 USA
Jamaica 2-3 Mexico
Thursday
02.12.10
Costa Rica 5-2 Guatemala
El Salvador 10-8 Jamaica
USA 6-3 Bahamas
Mexico 3-1 Canada
Friday
03.12.10
Bahamas 5-7 Guatemala
Canada 4-3 Jamaica
USA 3-3 (1-0) Costa Rica
Mexico 3-3 (0-1) El Salvador
SEMIFINALS
Saturday
04.12.10
El Salvador 3-3 (2-1) Costa Rica
USA 1-1 (0-1) Mexico
Sunday
04.12.10
PLAY-OFF 3rd / 4th PLACE AND FINAL
USA 7-5 Costa Rica
FINAL
México 5-3 El Salvador
The USA National Team has finally clinched the third place in this FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup – CONCACAF Qualifier, after bending current runner-ups Costa Rica in the consolation final. Although none of the contenders had any chance to get into the upcoming World Cup at that point, the match soon turned into a great spectacle, packed of goals and brilliant moves.
Costa Rica began the match in the high pace they have get us used to, and little after the fourth minutes, two hits by Sánchez had put them ahead in the score. But if there’s something the USA is characteristic of is their mental strength and competitiveness. Without getting a bit scared after seeing themselves two goals down that early, Soto’s lads emphatically turned the score around. The goals by Futagaki, Albuquerque, Morales and Ibsen made the score 4-2 by the end of the second period.
Goals were there also at the beginning of the last period, one for each side, making it 5-3 by the third minute. Then, a powerful long-range rocket by Chavarría shortened the distance a little more, boosting the Ticos in the pursuit, but Albuquerque and Chimienti cut their wings for the last time, raising the 7-4. Sánchez charged again, with his eleventh goal in the tournament, but it was too late for Costa Rica, since the two remaining minutes were not enough for them to achieve the comeback
Goals: 0-1: Sánchez, min. 0 (1); 0-2: Sánchez, min. 4 (1); 1-2: Futagaki , min. 0 (2) ; 2-2 : Albuquerque, min. (2) ; 3-2 : Morales, min. 7 (2) ; 4-2 : Ibsen, min. 8 (2) ; 5-4 : Chavarría, min. 7 (3) ; 6-4 : Albuquerque, min. 8 (3) ; 7-4 : Chimienti, min. 9 (3) ; 7-5 : Sánchez, Min. 9 (3).
