16 teams became eight as battles were won and lost, including wins for Czech Republic, Russia and Switzerland sees in the women’s group
In a hectic opening day here in Salou, the number of men’s sides fighting for qualification to the World Beach Games in San Diego were cruelly cut in half as penalties and destructions decided who made the cut.
France had an easier qualification than the next round than all of the other teams, due to the unfortunate administrative issues that stopped the England team being able to compete in the Round of 16.
They will play Italy in the quarter-finals tomorrow.
Click here to see the rest of tomorrow’s fixtures
Here is how all of the other matches unfolded…
MEN
Spain vs Turkey
After falling just short of the continental crown in 2018, La Roja have a different European prize on their mind over the next few days, as the World Beach Games – Europe Qualifier begins in Salou.
The World Beach Games San Diego are to be held later this year, but if Joaquin Alonso’s men want to get there, they first needed to see off their Turkish challengers in the opening Round of 16.
They started strongly, as Edu and Chiky got the game underway with two early goals. But Turkey came right back, as Cem Keskin and Baris joined the Spaniards on the scoresheet. A fine strike from Edu saw Spain snatch the lead back just before the first whistle and then Llorenç extended it after the break.
At 4-2, the hosts were by no means safe, and a moment of defensive lapse saw Yasin reduce the difference to just one. A Javi Torres hit restored the two-goal cushion and then a signature Llorenç overhead took the score to 6-3.
Goals were flying in at both ends and, in the chaos, Cem Keskin secured a hat-trick. Just three seconds before the second whistle, Turkey struck through Baris to make it 7-6, showing that they were not to be left behind.
As the final period went on, Spain nurtured their delicate lead with ferocious defending, while Turkey shook the goal frame on several occasions. The only goal of the final period came when Llorenç was brought down well inside his own half, and blasted a low freekick home to clinch a hat-trick and the three points for Spain.
Goals: 1-0: Eduard, min. 11 (1); 2-0: Chiky, min. 7 (1); 2-1: Cem Keskin, min. 7 (1); 2-2: Baris, min. 6 (1); 3-2: Eduard, min. 0 (1); 4-2: Llorenç, min. 7 (2); 4-3: Yasin, min. 6 (2); 5-3: Javi Torres, min. 6 (2); 6-3: Llorenç, min. 1 (2); 6-4: Cem Keskin, min. 1 (2); 7-4: Antonio, min. 1 (2); 7-5: Cem Keskin, min. 0 (2); 7-6: Baris, min. 0 (2); 8-6: Llorenç, min. 0 (3);
Switzerland vs Germany
After successfully defending their Division A status in the Euro Beach Soccer League last summer, Germany would have to defeat their league opponents Switzerland if they wanted to make it to the next stage, and just maybe, all the way to the World Beach Games in California.
The Swiss got the game underway as the veteran Spacca drove home a fine strike from distance. The Germans were not deterred though, and minutes later they got themselves back on level terms when Schmitt rattled in an equalizer.
Then Metzler struck to take the lead for Germany and they were enjoying the lion’s share of the possession. But Switzerland upped their attacking game and when Noel Ott found himself one on one with the goalkeeper he was not going to miss, and lifted it over Volkl to make it 2-2.
Mo Jaeggy snatched the lead for Angelo Schirinzi’s side, and they must have thought that they would be started the second period with a slender advantage. But Christian Biermann had other ideas, as he drove a low free-kick home with just nine seconds on the clock.
Stankovic got his name on the scoresheet directly from the restart to make it 4-3 and restore the one-goal lead. The game was real end-to-end action and it was impossible to define a winner as the midway point approached.
The Swiss shifted into a superior gear as the second part continued, and Stankovic scored another acrobatic goal, and, with just seconds on the clock, Ott secured a brace to give Switzerland a 6-3 lead going into the final period.
Basiel pulled a goal back for Germany but the time ticked on and the Swiss defense held strong, while at the other end they looked the more likely to find the net once more. However, the German captain Weirauch found space in the box to sneak in close-range overhead.
The comeback was complete when the captain struck again, this time from the penalty spot. The score stood at 6-6 with just a minute to go, and when the klaxon sounded, it went to extra time.
It was Glen Hodel, after having a quiet game, who smashed in a bicycle kick to snatch the lead but incredibly, Biermann still had one more goal in him – penalties was the only way to separate these sides, and having scored two to force extra time, it was Weirauch who dragged his penalty wide and handed Switzerland the victory.
Goals: 1-0: Spacca, min. 9 (1); 1-1: Schmitt, min. 6(1); 1-2: Metzler, min. 3 (1); 2-2: Ott, min. 1 (1); 3-2: Mo, min. 1 (1); 3-3: Biermann, min. 0 (1); 4-3: Stankovic, min. 11 (2); 5-3: Stankovic, min. 2 (2); 6-3: Ott, min. 0 (2); 6-4: Basiel, min. 10 (3); 6-5: Weirauch, min. 3 (3); 6-6: Weirauch, min. 1 (3); 7-6: Hodel, min. 1 (ET); 7-7: Biermann, min. 1 (ET);
PSO: 0-1: Basiel, scored; 1-1: Ott, scored; 1-1: Weirauch, missed; 2-1: Spacca, scored; 2-2: Metzler, scored; 3-2: Stankovic, scored;
Belarus vs Czech Republic
The men’s competition got underway as Czech Republic, having just watched their women’s team defeat England, took on Belarus. Belarus played a high-intensity game, pressuring their Czech opponents from the first moment.
After being denied by some fine saves, Ryabko found space to power home a sublime overhead kick to open the score for Belarus. But Czech Republic didn’t wait much to find a response, and it came from a likely source, their star number ten Trampota.
With the scores level once more, the second period began with both teams frantically searching for a second goal to take the lead. Czech Republic netted once again after just a minute, as Andrle swept the ball home from the left flank.
It didn’t take long, however, for the Belarussians to reply, as captain Bryshtel dragged his team back to level terms, cutting the Czech momentum. A second from Trampota put Martin Dlouhy’s side in the driver’s seat.
A matter of minutes later, Andy push the lead to 4-2 as the Czechs look in line for their first win of the campaign on the road to San Diego. However, midway through the final period Ryabko scored to give the Belarussians a glimmer of hope. With just two minutes left of normal time, he snuck in his third of the match to take it to extra time.
In the added three minutes, it was the captain Bryshtel’s turn to complete his hat-trick as he smashed in two to hand Belarus two points in the opening match.
Goals: 1-0: Ryabko, min. 7 (1); 1-1: Trampota, min. 3 (1); 1-2: Andrle, min. 11 (2); 2-2:Bryshtel, min. 9 (2); 3-2:Trampota, min. 7 (2); 4-2: Andy, min. 7 (2); 4-2: Ryabko, min. 7 (3); 4-4: Ryabko, min. 2 (3); 5-4: Bryshtel, min. 2 (ET); 6-4: Bryshtel, min. 1 (ET);
Ukraine vs Azerbaijan
Sabir Allahguliyev and Dmytro Voitenko fought on a terrific goal-scoring battle throughout the game between Ukraine and Azerbaijan in the Round of 16 at the World Beach Games – Europe Qualifier Salou 2019, with the latter scoring four to get his team into the next round.
After a goalless first period, the Ukrainian striker took the leading voice to let everybody know that he was in inspired form today. Two goals had Ukraine commanding a 2-0 lead. Sabir came to Azerbaijan’s rescue with the first of his three goals of the day, but along came Voitenko to restore the 2-goal gap.
By the end of the second period, Azerbaijan began feeling stronger, and managed to turn things around. Asif and Sabir made it 4-3 for the Azeri, but that advantage would not last… Voitenko, with his fourth hit of the day, balanced things up, right before Makeiev and Pachev sealed the win for Ukraine.
The final 6-4 sends Varenytsia’s side straight into the quarter-finals, where they will take on the winner of the game between Russia and Norway for a place in the semi-finals here in Salou and, more importantly, a ticket to the World Beach Games.
Goals: 1-0: Voitenko, min. 8 (2); 2-0: Voitenko, min. 8 (2); 2-1: Sabir, min. 4 (2); 3-1: Voitenko, min. 4 (2); 3-2: Sabir, min. 1 (2); 3-3: Asif, min. 10 (3); 3-4: Sabir, min. 9 (3); 4-4: Voitenko, min. 8 (3); 5-4: Makeiev, min. 5 (3); 6-4: Pachev, min. 3 (3)
Italy vs Greece
The European champions kicked off their campaign in Salou against Greece. It didn’t take long for the Azzurri to put their initial stamp on the game as Gabriele Gori pounded in an early freekick to open the scoring.
Before long, the number ten had a brace and then Zurlo scored an overhead to make it three. Greece were trailing 3-0 after just minutes and already had a mammoth task on their hands to get back into this game.
Italy increased their lead when Josep Jr netted before the first break. After the restart, Gori picked up his third and Zurlo also got his name onto the scoresheet for a second time.
With the score at 6-0, Kafantaris managed to nick a goal just before the second whistle to give Greece a consolation at least. Gori scored yet again not long after, but the Greeks ended the match brightly as Mikelatos brought the score back to 7-2 and then Kafantaris took his second of the tie.
This final push came too late and Italy took victory in their opening game in Salou comfortably.
Goals: 1-0: Gori, min. 9 (1); 2-0: Gori, min. 9 (1); 3-0: Zurlo, min. 7 (1); 4-0: Josep Jr, min. 7 (1); 5-0: Gori, min. 6 (2); 6-0: Zurlo , min. 5 (2); 6-1: Kafantaris , min. 0 (2); 7-1: Gori, min. 9 (3); 7-2: Mikelatos, min. 3 (2); 7-3: Kafantaris, min. 1 (2);
Russia vs Norway
Russia were clinical in their attack as they handed a heavy defeat to Norway on the opening day of the World Beach Games qualifying campaign.
It was the number ten, Paporotnyi, who shone early on in Russia’s opning match against Norway, as he scored two in the first period. Despite Norway creating several chances, they were unable to find the back of the net in the first period and trailed by two goals going into the second period.
The next stage continued in the same vein as the previous one, with Russia dominating the possession and looking dangerous on every attack. Zemskov scored a third for Mikhail Likhachev’s side, before Krash, Novikov and Bazhenov each converted to take the score to 7-0.
The third period began with Russia way out in front and a way back for Norway seemed long lost. However, they held off the firepower of the Russian attack for the rest of the period, but were unable to score themselves.
With an opening win in the bag, Russia will now face Ukraine in the quarter-finals. Who will reach the semi-finals and that all-important ticket to San Diego?!
Goals: 1-0: Paporotnyi, min. 7 (1); 2-0: Paporotnyi, min. 1 (1); 3-0: Zemskov, min. 10 (2); 4-0: Krash, min. 9 (2); 5-0: Novikov, min. 8 (2); 6-0: Bazhenov, min. 4 (2); 7-0: Ostrovskii, min. 0 (2);
Portugal vs Kazakhstan
The former European champions gave Kazakhstan no chance as they steamed to their opening victory in Spain.
The game got underway when Be Martins burst down the left wing to smash the first goal home after two minutes. Portugal continued to control the possession and Torres added a second.
Jordan then gilded into the box to nod in the third and when Andre got himself on the scoresheet too, it looked as if Mario Narciso’s men were already out of sight. It was 5-0 at the start of the second period, and Kazakhstan defended effectively to keep out the Portuguese strikers.
Eventually, Belchior converted a penalty to make it six, then Leo Martins joined his twin brother on the scoresheet. But from the restart, Kazakhstan showed that they still had a sting in the tail, as Demeshko rifled home a long-range volley.
An eight-goal deficit is a near-impossible task to overcome, especially against the former world champions, as the third period begun with Portugal leading by nine goals to one. But the shots kept raining down on the Kazakh keeper, Gavrilov, who did well not to concede more.
Against the run of play, Demeshko grabbed a second for him and his team with just four minutes to go.
With an opening win wrapped up, Portugal take one step closer to the Games in San Diego…
Goals: 1-0: Be Martins, min. 10 (1); 2-0: Torres, min. 9 (1); 3-0: Jordan, min. 9 (1); 4-0: Andre, min. 8 (1); 5-0: Jordan, min. 2 (1); 6-0: Belchior, min. 10 (2); 7-0: Leo Martins, min. 5 (2); 7-1: Demeshko, min. 5 (2); 8-1: Leo Martins, min. 4 (2); 9-1: Von, min. 1 (2); 9-2: Demeshko, min. 4 (2); 10-2: Leo Martins, min. 3 (2);
WOMEN
Switzerland vs Russia
In the day’s opening game on pitch one, the reigning European champions, Russia, took on the ladies of Switzerland. The Swiss dominated much of the early possession, hitting dangerous shots and closing down Russian attacks.
Maurer opened the scoring after bursting down the left wing to smash past Akylbaeva between the Russian posts. However, Russia we nearly gifted a goal when Alma Marti, the Swiss keeper, sold her defender short with an under-hit pass, but managed to grab the ball from the feet of the approaching Gorshkova.
Having let one goal in already, Akylbaeva was in fine form for the rest of the period, and made some amazing saves, keeping the score at just 1-0 at the first whistle. Just after the break, the Swiss offensive continued, as they netted a penalty when Kuffer was impeded for an overhead shot in the box.
Going into the final period, Switzerland were enjoying a two-goal cushion, but after a few minutes it was rattled as Bazhanova struck the bar from a free-kick. A lucky escape for the Swiss, and they stood firm at the back.
Russia piled on the pressure but, despite hitting the bar once more, were unable to find the back of the net and Switzerland pick up an early three points.
Goals: 1-0: Maurer, min. 7 (1); 2-0: Kuffer, min. 10 (2);
England vs Czech Republic
An amazing Czech Republic caught England by surprise in the opening of the World Beach Games – Europe Qualifier Salou. The stunning performance by Veronika Pilouskova, with four goals, had the Czechs commanding the game from start to finish, and the final 4-8 gave Slama’s girls their first points of the tournament.
An initial 0-3 run for the Czech Republic showed the English side that it was going to be a tough morning for them. Perry Northeast’s team kept tryiny to counteract the Czech’s dominance but despite their attempts, and their advantage in terms of experience, the Czech Republic always found the way to neutralize the English efforts.
No matter how hard England tried, the Czech players were there to restore the distance in the score, making any chance of a come-back impossible for the Three Lionesses. The three points were claimed comfortably by Czech Republic, who, for the moment, top the group, together with Switzerland.
There’s still a long way to go in the competition, though!
Goals: 0-1: Kempson (og), min. 6 (1); 0-2: Pilouskova, min. 4 (1); 0-3: Dlouha, min. 10 (2); 1-3: Kempson, min. 10 (2); 1-4: Pilouskova, min. 8 (2); 1-5: Pilouskova, min. 7 (2); 2-5: Molly Clark, min. 7 (3); 2-6: Pilouskova, min. 5 (3); 2-7: Jungova, min. 4 (3); 3-7: Hillier, min. 4 (3); 4-7: Clark, min. 0 (3); 4-8: Pomijova, min. 0 (3)
England vs Spain
In desperate need of points after having lost their opening match to Czech Republic earlier in the day, England ladies now had the task of defeating their hosts Spain.
The Spanish were fresh, having not played in the morning, but the match was evenly balanced and it was La Roja that broke the deadlock when Nati netted in the seventh minute. But James had a swift reply minutes later.
Spain took the lead once again, this time through Miron, with just three minutes of the first period left. A diving header from James to level the match up with seconds on the clock. The second period stretched on and both teams came close to taking the lead.
It came when Sarah Kempson, former World’s Best Player, spun a stunning header in off the far post.
The final period started with the Three Lionesses slender lead intact, but it didn’t take long for Miron to strike again to equalize. Moments later, Nati scored her second to give the Spanish the lead once more.
England were knocking at the door and rattled the bar but the next goal went against them, as Anna Pascual powered a freekick into the top corner to make it five. James converted a freekick of her own with two minutes to go, her third of the match.
Then, with a single minute to go, Kempson struck England back level and the match went to extra time. When the extra three minutes couldn’t separate the sides, it went to penalties where England goalkeeper, Hannah Haughton, saved not one, not two but three Spanish penalties!
England take a hard-fought point while the hosts are still to get off the mark.
Goals: 0-1: Nati, min. 7 (1); 1-1: James, min. 5 (1); 1-2: Miron, min. 3 (1); 2-2: James, min. 0 (1); 3-2: Kempson, min. 5 (2); 3-3: Miron, min. 11 (3); 3-4: Nati, min. 10 (3); 3-5: Anna, min. 4 (3); 4-5: James, min. 2 (3); 5-5: Kempson, min. 1 (3);
PSO: 0-0: Nati, saved; 0-0: Kempson, saved; 0-0: Sara, saved; 1-0: James, scored; 1-0: Carol Glez, saved;
Czech Republic vs Russia
The defending European champions, Russia, found the best way to forget their first defeat in this World Beach Games – Europe Qualifier Salou, and breezed past Czech Republic to seize their first points in the competition.
The braces by Natalia Zaitseva and captain Anna Cherniakova helped the Leonov-coached side bounce back from the bad result against Switzerland and snatch three points to get back in the race for a place in San Diego next October.
Dlouha’s effort for the 1-3 was the only thing the Czechs would rescue in the game. And that was way too little to prevent the Russian side take their first win and jumping to the head of the table, which they share with Switzerland a now also with the Czech Republic.
0-1: Zaitseva, min. 11 (1); 0-2: Cherniakova, min. 7 (1); 0-3: Cherniakova, min. 8 (2); 1-3: Dlouha, min. 11 (3); 1-4: Zaitseva, min. 4 (3); 1-5: Gorshkova, min. 3 (3)
Stay up-to-date with all of the fixtures, results and standings of the World Beach Games – Europe Qualifier Salou 2019 on the Beach Soccer Worldwide website.
