WFC Zvezda, the only one of the contenders in this Women's Euro Winners Cup to hold a championship title, played their first match in the competition today. And they did not have an easy introduction, as they had to fight incredibly hard to break the mighty Mriya 2006 from Ukraine.
It took Zvezda more than a period to open the score. It was not until midway through the second leg that a strategy move from a throw-in finally had Zvezda ahead, with Cherniakova tapping a wonderful assist home for the 1-0.
The reaction by the Pachev-coached side came in the last period, with two goals that turned the score around. The time went by, and it seemed unavoidable that the Ukrainian side would upset the 2018 champions, but along came Cherniakova again to send the game into extra time.
The saves by Silina in the penalty shootout finally gave Zvezda the last point at stake, thus allowing Ivan Kanaev's side to open their account in their opening battle in Nazaré.
Marseille bag first win
In the other game of the day, Marseille Beach Team managed to bend the ever-spirited New Team Brussels to secure their first points in the competition.
After Yanma's opener, the French side managed to stay ahead for the whole game, and despite the Belgian ladies narrowing the distance, they held their nerve to clinch a victory that gets them back in the fight for the top positions in the standings.
Gabino RenalesBSWW Deputy Vice-presidentWe are ready, and we will stay ready
Joan CuscóBSWW PresidentTime to play!
MadjerFPF Beach Soccer CoordinatorTransversal growth to stay on top of the game
Cosimo SibiliaPresident of Lega Nazionale DilettantiFifteen years of beach soccer in Italy
Dick WhalenNASSC Tournament DirectorThe North American Sand Soccer Championships turn “Silver”
