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MY BEACH SOCCER 
Portugal pair Mario Narciso and Madjer were among those to speak to the media.
A host of key figures spoke at a press conference on Wednesday evening ahead of the much-anticipated BSWW Mundialito in Cascais this weekend.
Kicking off on Friday, hosts Portugal will go up against the three other FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup winners including current holders Brazil, two-time champions Russia and 2005 victors France in what will be the 21st edition of the event.
Portugal captain Madjer and coach Mario Narciso were both present in Cascais on Wednesday, with the latter explaining his pride at playing so close to where he grew up.
“It’s a real pleasure to be playing here in Cascais, which is more or less my back yard,” he said.
“Here I can count on the close support of my family and friends, and I can assure everyone that Portugal will give everything they have to raise the trophy on Sunday.
Coach Narciso added: “This event is always a great opportunity for the sport of beach soccer and I know the public will get behind the team like they always do when we play at home.
“The result is unpredictable, any team can win it, and nobody is unbeatable although Brazil as world champions deserve our respect of course.”
The event remains one of the most popular in the sport’s calendar and has spent much of its existence within Portugal – a true heartland of beach soccer.
The Portuguese Football Federation’s Director for Futsal and Beach Soccer, Pedro Dias, added his pleasure at welcoming the return of such an elite event.
“Thanks to Beach Soccer Worldwide, we have become accustomed to events of a high level and the best beach soccer players will be in Cascais for this event,’ he said.
“There is obviously a special connection between Brazil and Portugal and, as usual, we’re sure this will help attract spectators to the stadium.”
Beach Soccer Worldwide’s Executive Vice-President Joan Cusco said that the array of teams set to compete means it promises to be an unforgettable occasion.
“I expect nothing but the best from this competition, this is the first time we have had four world champions playing against each other in one event,” he said.
“Portuguese people should be very proud of Madjer and Mario Narciso for the way in which they represent both their country and our sport and I hope local people will come out and show their support.”
Last but not least, the Mayor of Cascais, Carlos Carreiras, spoke of his pride at staging the event in his town once more.
“This event shows how Beach Soccer Worldwide and the FPF trust Cascais – the birthplace of beach soccer in Portugal,” he added. “It’s a real show of trust to have this event here and we are extremely excited for this edition of the tournament.
“Mario Narciso is a great leader behind a great team – a team of artists!”
The action kicks off on Friday with entry free at the stadium and live streaming available at www.beachsoccer.com/schedule.
