Teams train in Sardinia with just one day to go before the start of the Promotion Final and SuperFinal
All the big names have arrived and the final training sessions are taking place here in Alghero and the Division A teams prepare for their chance to be crowned the champions of Europe in the Superfinal, and the Division B teams (and Germany as Division A’s lowest finishers) battle for that precious spot in the 2019 top flight.
In the town centre, a press conference was held earlier today, giving the key figures in the Euro Beach Soccer League Promotion Final and SuperFinal the opportuntity to share some words ahead of the first games that will take place tomorrow.
In front on the cameras were: Marco Bruno (Mayor of Alghero), Gianni Cadoni (FIGC Sardinia Regional President), Gabino Renales (BSWW Deputy Vice President), Robert Desini (Head of the Beach Soccer Department) and Ferdinando Arcopinto and Massimo Agostini (coaches of the Italian National Team).
Marco Bruno – Mayor of Alghero
“In this event Alghero confirms its international capabilities. This is a huge opportunity for the city and it is an honour, to celebrate 15 years of beach soccer in Italy.
We are going to witness a great spectacle. Thanks to everyone involved and we hope you enjoy your time in Alghero.”
Gianni Cadoni – FIGC Sardinia Region President
“We have great expectations for the competition and we are really embracing this very important occasion.
It has been a team effort working with the FIGC, the LND, the regional government of Sardinia and the Commune di Alghero.”
Gabino Renales – Deputy Vice President of BSWW
“It is a great pleasure for us to be here in the little paradise that is Alghero. Thank you for having us in your beautiful city.
Thanks also to the LND, as Italy was the first National FA to believe in and to support beach soccer, 15 years ago already, and to the regional committee here in Alghero, who have shown great passion in making this EBSL Superfinal in Alghero become a reality.”
Mr Renales then went on to outline the format of the competition as well as to comment on the importance of the tournament in the qualification to the European Games Minsk 2019.
Roberto Desini – Head of the Beach Soccer Department
“It is with great satisfaction that the Superfinal has come home to Italy once more. I am sure that this beach soccer festival will fulfil all expectations.”
Emiliano del Duca – Italian National Team Coach
“The teams are very balanced, everyone has the potential to win. We will hit the sand fully convinced of our chances and what we are capable of.”
The conference ended with Ferdinando Arcopinto and Massimo Agostini presenting the Mayor of Alghero with a plaque to thank the community for hosting the event and for their assistance in organising it.
But the first day of battle is almost upon us, and we must look to the final showdowns that will rage on the beach of Alghero over the next few days.
Can Russia retain their crown? Can Italy impress on home sand? Can Germany hang onto their Division A status? Stay tuned throughout the weekend to find out.
Keep up to date on all the fixtures, results and standngs on the Beach Soccer Worldwide website and remember that you can watch all of the games, live and free, right here.