Penalties separate La Roja and their hosts on the last day in Hungary
Christian Mendez’s side lifted the trophy for the second year running at the Talent Beach Soccer Cup 2019, after a tense penalty shootout against Hungary, who finish third.
Poland picked up a total of five points thanks to two victories to finish in second, while Czech Republic, who failed to win any of their matches, took up fourth.
The MVP award went to the captain of the host nation, Rutai, while Spaniards David and Pablo picked up the trophies for Top Scorer and Best Goalkeeper. The Youngest Player award also went to a member of the Spain squad, Jose Antonio.
In the tighter of the day’s two matches, Hungary actually had the chance to go level on points with Spain, should they beat them in normal time. At the first break, La Roja enjoyed a one-goal lead after Jonathan scored, and Albert Csaba put the ball into both his own and his opponents’ net.
In the second period, two more goals at each end saw the difference maintained going into the final stage, where a brace by competition MVP Rutai was followed by a completed hat-trick for competition Top Scorer, David.
The scores were tied at 5-5, and extra time witnessed no winning goal; but penalties did, as Spain scored two spotkicks and Hungary failed to convert any of theirs, as a result slipping into a final finishing position of third. They also won the Fair Play award after receiving the fewest cards.
It was a final day defeat of Czech Republic that saw Poland clinch second, and they were in front after just moments when Meloyan netted. An equaliser came from Janik but the Poles were ahead once more at the break.
The lead was narrow though, but they managed to extend their tally to an eventual five goals, while Czech Republic only managed on more in the last 12 minutes of the match to take the final score to 2-5.
Another brilliant event in Hungary saw young talent flourish in a competitive setting, as the next generation of beach soccer stars promises a bright future.
12/07
Poland 3 – 7 Spain
Czech Republic 0 – 2 Hungary
13/07
Spain 5 – 1 Czech Republic
Hungary 3 – 4 Poland *AET
14/07
Czech Republic 2 – 5 Poland
Hungary 5(0) – (2)5 Spain *PSO
Final Standings:
1- Spain
2- Poland
3- Hungary
4- Czech Republic
Fair Play: Hungary
Individual Awards:
MVP: Rutai (Hungary)
Top Scorer: David (Spain)
Best Goalkeeper: Pablo (Spain)
Youngest Player: Jose Antonio (Spain)
