The Swiss did enough to hold off the hosts and lift the title on a thrilling final day in Casablanca.
Switzerland were crowned Morocco Beach Soccer Cup champions in Casablanca on Sunday after defeating the hosts in a penalty shootout on a dramatic final day of competition.
The Swiss side knew that avoiding a defeat in normal time would guarantee them the title and, despite a hat-trick from Azzedine Hamidy, the hosts were unable to pull of a shock win within three periods.
Instead, a double for Yuri Steffen helped ensure Switzerland silverware as they claimed the shootout 2-0, having ended extra time at 5-5.
In the day’s earlier game, the Netherlands picked up their first points at the final attempt as they beat England – again on penalties.
Cameron O’Rourke – who ended joint top scorer with Swiss trio Nicola Werder, Tobias Steinemann and Sandro Denz – hit a hat-trick and looked to have won the game when he registered with 16 seconds left of extra time.
However, Marc Timmer levelled once more in dramatic fashion before the Dutch held their nerve from the spot.
Sunday results
England (1) 3-3 (2) Netherlands
Morocco (0) 5-5 (2) Switzerland
Standings
1st: Switzerland, 2nd: Morocco, 3rd: England, 4th: Netherlands
Individual Awards
Best Goalkeeper: Taylor Humm (ENG)
Top Scorers: Cameron O’Rourke (ENG), Nicola Werder (SUI), Tobias Steinemann (SUI), Sandro Denz (SUI) (All four goals)
MVP: Nassim El Hadaoui (MAR)
Photo via Angelo Schirinzi
