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Final days´ action thrilling with upsets and final standings unknown until the last whistle, with Chile clinching 2nd
The 2-1 win for Mexico over Uruguay was a lot tighter than the Mexicans would have liked but it turned out to be a validating win for the Central American side as their only loss over the weekend came in a penalty shoot-out loss to Argentina on the opening day. Mexico started quickly, scoring twice in the opening frame, which would prove to be enough to secure the win. The Charrúa lost in extra time on the opening day and was not able to find a win over the course of the weekend but they did not disappoint as they were competitive in every match. Uruguay finishes in last place at the BSWW Tour Copa Beach Soccer Viña del Mar. Mexico finished with six points, on two wins and the one penalties loss, what makes them the winners of the competition.
Beach soccer spoils the offensive minded fan because goals are scored so quickly, but this match took on a different feel as both teams looked to secure their own goal more than attack the opponents´. The chances still mounted for the two squads, but quality goalkeeping and team defense helped keep the score level going into the latter half of the period. The Central Americans struck first, late in the period, making the score 1-0 after a sound finish from Rodriguez. Mexico added another score, using great passing, to take a 2-0 lead, which is how the period would end. Both teams saw great scoring opportunities early in the middle period but were unable to take advantage and the score remained the same, 2-0 for the Tricolor going into the last minutes of the period. The two squads frustrated the others offensively and the second period ended with Mexico still up 2-0.
Uruguay controlled possession early in the final frame but could not find the back of the net as Mexico held strong and played a patient waiting game. The Charruas finally got on the scoreboard late in the period, on a well struck direct kick, to pull within 2-1. Mexico was definitely on their heels but were able to hold off the rally attempt from the South Americans and held on to stop any further goals and secure a 2-1 victory that, combined with Argentina’s latter loss to hosts Chile, would make them winners of this Copa Beach Soccer Viña del Mar 2015.
Goals: 1-0: Gómez, min. 4 (1); 2-0: Rodriguez, min. 3 (1); 2-1: Fabricio, min. 3 (3).
Chile delights fans with exhilarating win
The 6-5 win for Chile over Argentina was unpredictable and fun from start to finish. The crowd was raucous, silenced, then energized again as both sides exchanged blows. Chile started hot, cooled off, then picked up the energy late in the match. Chile seemed destined to lose, then Argentina, and then the roles reversed again, but in the end, Chile prevailed and came out on top. The win gave Chile five points and second place in the competitive field. The loss, after Mexico´s win left Argentina in 3rd place.
The Albiceleste did not care who they were facing and came out firing but the Chileans withstood the storm and in fact turned the tide by scoring early to take the 1-0 lead. Merely minutes into the opening frame. The Lone Stars had more early chances to add onto their lead but could not solidly connect. The missed chances led to Argentinas´ first goal, coming from a direct kick late in the opening frame. Things got worse for the hosts as they suffered a late second goal, then Argentina tacked on another, using splendid passing and teamwork to put the score at 3-1 going into the middle frame. The hosts put the pressure back on the Argentine side as they scored the second periods´ first goal to push the score to 3-2 for Argentina. Both selections had more close calls but did not hit the back of the net and period ended with the Argentine side clinging to a one goal lead at 3-2.
Chile looked to be out of contention early in the second period, but their late goal couple with an opening minute 3rd period goal knotted the score 3 and send the crowd into a frenzy. The Chileans were not finished yet and slotted home another goal to regain the lead at 4-3, for the first time since the opening minutes of the match. The Lone Stars did not feel comfortable with the one goal lead and added to it, making the score 5-3 midway through the final frame. The Albiceleste stood tall and refused to quit also, knocking in another goal on a penalty kick, pulling to within one at 5-4 going into the last minutes of the match. Chile would not stop attacking and saw many chances in the final minutes, but the insurance did not come until the final minute, creating a two goal lead for the hosts and despite a last second goal, Chile hung on for the 6-5 win.
Goals: 1-0: Echeverría, min. 10 (1); 1-1: Medero, min. 4 (1); 1-2: Hilaire, min. 3 (1); 1-3: Hilaire, min. 2 (1); 2-3: Echeverría, min. 6 (2); 3-3: Argote, min. 11 (3); 4-3: Belaunde, min. 8 (3); 5-3: Echeverría, min. 7 (3); 5-4: Levi, min. 6 (3); 6-4: Ponce, min. 0 (3); 6-5: Leguizamon, min. 0 (3)
COPA BEACH SOCCER VIÑA DEL MAR 2015
Overall Results:
Friday, January 23rd, 2015
18:00 – Argentina 4(3)-4(2) (pen) Mexico
19:15 – Uruguay 6-7 (aet) Chile
Saturday, January 24th, 2015
18:00 – Argentina 3-1 Uruguay
19:15 – Chile 2-5 Mexico
Sunday, January 25th, 2015
18:00 – Mexico 2-1 Uruguay
19:15 – Chile vs. Argentina
Final standings:
WINNERS: Mexico
Runner-up: Chile
3rd: Argentina
4th: Uruguay
Individual awards:
MVP: César Leguizamón (ARG)
Top scorers: Gómez (MEX), Belaunde (CHI), Echeverría (CHI), Ricar (URU) y Leguizamón (ARG)
Best Goalkeeper: Francisco Muñoz (MEX)
