Mexico set their party in Cancun

Raya’s side clinch the Beach Soccer Worldwide Cancun Cup 2012 in dream last day that leaves a wonderful taste

Only the United States were entitled to ruin the Mexican expectations of rising the gold in this Beach Soccer Worldwide Cancun Cup 2012. And they were not far to that, indeed, forcing Ramón Raya and his lads to fight until the extra time to certify a victory that made the prize stay at home. In a really intense match, the USA made the party really expensive for their southern neighbors, but Mosco’s hit at extra time was life-giving for the Azteca, enabling them to keep the trophy on their hands in this opening edition of a competition that leaves great sensations in Quintana Roo.

Although Rodríguez wanted to begin the Mexican take off in the first  period, Morales immediately replied to block the ‘Tri’ wings, proving that they would not make things any easy. Eddie Soto’s side knew very well the anti-hero role they were performing today, and they did it in a very efficient way, making Mexico invest a huge effort and suffering to accomplish their objective and give the thousands of people on the stands what they were waiting for.

With the 1-1, Robles was faced against some really difficult moments, but his terrific job today not only assured his nets untouched again but merited him the Best Goalkeeper award. On the other end, Reynolds threw hands to all Aztecan attempts making things impossible for the hosts to get ahead again and sending the match into the extra time. But at that additional minutes ended the goalie’s success, or, in better words, finally blossomed Mosco’s. The Mexican number 5 took advantage of a strategy move to find the back of the net, making his people’s the dream of lifting the trophy come true and closing this first edition of the Beach Soccer Worldwide Cancun Cup in a brilliant manner.

Goles: 1-0: Rodríguez, min. 1 (1); 1-1: Morales, min. 1 (1); 2-1: Mosco, min. 2 (et)

El Salvador restates their name against Spain

Although the subsequent win by Mexico finished all options for El Salvador to the Cup, beating Spain, specially the way Gallo’s lads did, is always a sweet thing to enjoy, something to be really proud of, as well as a new evidence that Beach Soccer in CONCACAF is taking a really relevant role in the sport’s panorama. Furthermore, and just because if all that was not enough, the Cuscatlecos raised the trophies awarding the tournament’s MVP and top scorer, being their mighty captain, Agustin, the one to hail.  

It was easily noticeable that Spain and El Salvador knew their options were at stake, so their first priority during the initial seconds was not to uncover their rearguard, trying to avoid any risk of getting their nets drilled. With that premise, defenses necessarily beat attacks in that early stages, and it was not until almost the end of the second period that Llorenç opened the first door to sweep Spain ahead. That advantage the forward managed for his team with a powerful left-foot shot, was not going to last more than a few seconds, though, as Walter immediately replied for El Salvador to make the score 1-1.

Having done that first step, Hernández would find a new crack to get the Cuscaltecos ahead right at the beginning of the third period. But, again, that unbalance would turn ephemeral. Just one minute later, Dona fired in a missile right from his box to find his homologue’s nets for the 2-2.  Time kept running out with the tied score, and just when everybody thought that only extra time or the penalty kick shootout would point the winner, Hernández managed to take a great advantage of the ball coming towards him to clinch the points for his side.
 
Goals: 1-0: Llorenç, min. 3 (2); 1-1: Walter, min. 2 (2) 1-2: Hernández, min. 10 (3); Dona, min. 8 (3); 2-3: Hernández, min. 0

BEACH SOCCER WORLDWIDE CANCUN CUP 2012

Match results

Fri 10.02.12             
14:15 – Spain 4-2 USA
15:30 – El Salvador 4(3)-4(4) Mexico

Sat 11.02.12                        
14:15 – USA 6-8 El Salvador
15:30 –Mexico 4-1 Spain

Sun 12.02.12                        
13:00 – Celebrity Game
14:15 – Spain 2-3 El Salvador
15:30 – Mexico 2-1 USA

Final standings

Champions: Mexico
Runner-up: El Salvador

Individual awards

MVP: Agustín (SLV)
Top Scorer: Agustín (SLV) – 7 goals
Best Goalkeeper: Robles (MEX)