Ott pleased to claim victory in ‘special’ opener

The Swiss forward was on target against former training partners Bahamas in Nassau.

Switzerland and the Bahamas brought day one of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017 to a close on Thursday with an enthralling Group A clash that saw the former run out 3-2 winners.

One of the ingredients to make the encounter extra special was the close relationship the two sides have built up in recent months.

Swiss boss Angelo Schirinzi coached the Bahamas during a six-week training camp in Europe midway through last year – where the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup hosts got the chance to pit themselves against some of the sport’s old hands.

Switzerland are also regular visitors to the Bahamas, although Swiss forward Noel Ott acknowledged that Thursday’s meeting was a particularly special one, given the need for points and the vibrant Nassau atmosphere.

“It was a very special game. It’s my fourth time here in the Bahamas,” he explained. “I always practice with them, train with them, we helped teach them how to play beach soccer.

“I remember one or two years ago, it was our first time here and their first time on the sand playing soccer so it was incredible to play against them now, at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. It’s perfect for the sport.”

In what proved a gruelling encounter that could, in truth, have gone either way, Ott was also a relieved man to get early points in the bag.

“It was clear that it was going to be a tough game but we’ve won it and now we have a day off then we go fight again and try win again,” added the 23-year-old, who opened his account for the tournament in the match.

“I wish them well but we have to look out for ourselves, we have to play game by game, try win them and then let’s see if Bahamas are into the next round.”