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MY BEACH SOCCER 
The Polish side are the winners in Division A, as Greece prevails in Division B. Italy secures Superfinal berth, too
Sagan dismantles Belarus in third leg and rockets Poland to the cup!
Poland will get to the Euro Beach Soccer League Superfinal as the only team to have won the two stages they have taken part in, after a blasting victory over Belarus and the subsequent outcome of the Italy-Netherlands had them prevailing in the Hague. A monstrous performance by Saganowski, with four goals today, boosted the Polish options as confirmed the brilliant left-footed bomber as the top scorer of the stage.
Despite no chances to the Superfinal were left for Belarus, Bogaichuk?s side hit the sand in Scheveningen with the idea of upsetting the Polish in their way to the Cup. Indeed, Poland had already accomplished their first goal, getting to the season decider in Torredembarra, but the competitive breed of Saganowski?s side had the team combating for the glory.
The first two stages of the game were a truly a balanced battle, with hits and replies in the score, and the Belarusian managing both to open the score and to get 3-2 ahead with just two minutes for the second hooter.
But after Baran?s equalizer in the dying seconds of that second period, the Polish momentum finally came in the last twelve minutes. After a second hit by Baran, Saganowski took the reins and punished Makarevich?s nets with four goals that crushed any Belarusian option.
The final 7-3, together with Italy?s 3-0 win over the Netherlands ended up giving Poland the cup, thanks to their great result yesterday against the transalpine. And they are the only team in Division A to have won two stages this year?
Goals : 0-1 : Kanstantsinau, min9 (1) ; 1-1_ Sagan, min. 4 (1) ; 2-1 : Friszkemut, min. 2 (1) ; 2-2 : Bokach, min. 8 (2) ; 2-3 : Bokach, min. 3 (2); 3-3: Baran, min. 1 (2); 4-3: Baran, min. 9 (3); 5-3: Sagan, min. 8 (3); 6-3: Sagan, min. 7 (3); 7-3: Sagan, min. 0 (3);
Italy close Holland doors to the trophy to secure Superfinal
Italy grasped the points they needed to leave The Hague with their spot in the EBSL Superfinal already secured, regardless whatever happens in the next stage of the European League, to happen first weekend of August in Moscow (Russia). The Azzurri prevailed over Holland, what finally ruled off the hosts? chances to claim the cup on their own soil.
Three stings, one in each period, had Esposito?s side controlling all the game. And it was something really difficult to do, though, as Netherlands have proven only too well their excellent level, and fighting against the ?Oranje? ambiance built at the Scheveningen Beach Stadium demands a truly strong spirit.
But the Italians stood really solid today, hitting in the key moment, and blocking almost any Dutch attempt to the nets. That formula had them bagging three points that push them to a really comfortable position in the table. Only their loss yesterday to Poland denied them the way to the cup, indeed.
Now, with twelve points out of eighteen, the Azzurri overtake Portugal to stay third in the overall season, behind the Polish National side and Switzerland.
Goals: 0-1: Spada, min. 4 (1); 0-2: Frainetti, min. 5 (2); 0-3: Gori, min. 5 (3)
DIVISION B
Defensive gem gives Greece top spot
Estonia and Greece had already secured their spots in the EBSL Promotion final but this match was all important for seeding in the Promotion final. The Greeks had used dramatic late match heroics to win their previous two matches this weekend, but this time around they secured a 3-0 win without the use a last minute goal or overtime.
The first period was exciting from the start but goals were not abundant as defensive stops were numerous and exciting. If the adage, defense wins championships, is true, both of these squads will do well in the Promotion final, which they both are destined for. There were many shots on goal but both sides were unable to finish the attempts. Estonia almost took the lead off of an own goal by Greece in the last minute, but Greece avoided the mishap. The period ended tied at zero, leading the way for even more exciting and tense action in the final two periods.
Estonia came out looking strong and was on the verge of scoring but the stout defense of Greece led to a goal of their own, as they scored early in the second to net the first goal of the period and match. Estonia still looked in control, as they did in the first period, but they found themselves down 1-0. In the middle of the period, Greece increased their shots on goal and eventually scored another, when a great individual effort off of a defensive stop, gave the Greeks a 2-0 lead, their biggest of the match. The period ended with the same score, 2-0, Greece.
The continual pressure on Greece did not seem to affect them as they came out in the third period looking relaxed and eager to put away Estonia. The defense remained rock solid and halted the Estonian attacks. Greece was not satisfied with staying back and relying on their defense though, and they moved the ball in and out of the Estonian side and it paid off in the middle of the period when a magnificent cross and header gave Greece a 3-0 lead. The game would end with that same score despite an array of attacks instigated by Estonia near the end.
Defense and clutch goals gave Greece three more points, leaving them with 8 points out of a possible 9, and the title of Division B Champion EBSL The Hague 2013. Estonia played exceptionally well and at times it seemed like they were going to score loads of goals, but still lost. Estonia will hold its head high as they will still be playing in the Promotion final to try and earn the right to play in Division A next season in the EBSL.
Goals: 0-1: Triantfyllidis, min. 10 (2); 0-2: Papastahopoulos, min, 6 (2); 0-3: Amanatidis, min. 6 (3).
Bulgaria used overtime to earn two points
Three points and a win were the main goals for Bulgaria and that is nearly what they got in a spirited win against Norway. The 2-1 win came in overtime giving them two points, but a win nonetheless. Norway had the same goals but they were unfortunate to come out on the losing end. In a tight match throughout Bulgaria proved to be the team that wanted the win a little more. Unfortunately for both teams, they had already been eliminated from participating in the Promotion final.
Norway and Bulgaria both began play very aggressive and they looked motivated to erase the close losses they had earlier in the weekend from their memory. The first team to take the lead was Bulgaria, who nailed a shot past the Norwegian goalie to put Bulgaria up 1-0 in the middle of the period. Norway leveled things at one with a great shot that went off the Bulgarian keepers hand and then the post. The first period was extremely competitive and ended tied at one goal apiece.
The first two matches from both these squads were defined by last minute drama and spectacular goals, but the second period of this match was defined by the goalkeepers and their phenomenal reflexes and saves that followed. Late into the period there was no score despite many chances for both teams to net a goal. In a clinic on defense, Bulgaria and Norway showed why Beach Soccer is the most exciting game on sand, one second there was a spectacular strike and the next there was a beautiful save at the other end. The period ended the same way the first period ended, tied at 1-1.
The final period began very evenly matched, as the entire match had been, and exquisitely tactical. Both teams utilized passing and gorgeous set pieces to try and break the tie. The ball was constantly in danger zones for both goalies but nothing came of the attacking early on. Bulgaria and Norway exchanged blasting shots and attempt after attempt were turned away. With the pace of the game and intensity from both sides, the game was fated for overtime with a score of 1-1.
Overtime was very exciting but tense as both teams wanted the win badly and the first and only goal came on an error by Norways´goalkeeper, when the ball slipped through his legs. That goal proved to be the difference. The game ended 2-1, Bulgaria.
In their final match of the tournament Bulgaria scored their first two points, with a very tight win against Norway. So tight that overtime was needed to determine the winner. The final goal came late in overtime as well.
Goals: 0-1: Hristov, min. 7 (1); 1-1: Pedersen, min. 6 (1); 1-2: Minkov, min. 2, (et)
EURO BEACH SOCCER LEAGUE THE HAGUE 2013
Game results:
Friday, 19th of July, 2013
14:15 ? Netherlands 5-3 Poland (Division A)
15:30 ? Greece 5-4 (et) Norway (Division B)
16:45 ? Bulgaria 2-4 Estonia (Division B)
18:00 ? Italy 4-2 Belarus (Division A)
Saturday, 20th of July, 2013
10:00 ? Greece 7-5 Bulgaria (Division B)
11:15 ? Estonia 5-4 Norway (Division B)
12:30 ? Italy 5-6 Poland (Division A)
13:45 ? Belarus 3-4 (aet) Netherlands (Division A)
Sunday, 21st of July, 2013
10:00 ? Norway 1-2 (aet) Bulgaria (Division B)
11:15 ? Estonia 0-3 Greece (Division B)
12:30 ? Poland 7-3 Belarus (Division A)
13:45 ? Netherlands 0-3 Italy (Division A)
Final standings:
Division A
Winner: Poland
Runner-up: Italy
Division B:
Winner: Greece
Runner-up: Estonia
Individual awards:
MVP: Patrick Ax (NED)
Top Scorer: Saganowski (POL) ? 6 goals
Best Goalkeeper: Frank Van der Geest (NED)
