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MY BEACH SOCCER 
The inaugural edition of the Copa Feminina de Seleções de Beach Soccer was held on Copacabana Beach
It was an historic weekend for both Brazilian and women’s beach soccer as the world-famous Copacabana Beach hosted the first Copa Feminina de Seleções de Beach Soccer in Brazil.
Hosts Rio de Janeiro saw off Espirito Santo in a tight final game, which finished 3-2, to lift a pioneering trophy in the cradle of beach soccer. More good news for Brazil’s women’s beach soccer is that officials from the national team were present to select the side that will travel to the World Beach Games in Qatar in October to make the country’s debut on the international stage.
The championship featured four teams representing four states in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Espirito Santo, Distrito Federal (or Brasilia) and Amazonas.
Each team played each other once in a round robin format and these were the final standings at the end of the weekend:
1st – Rio de Janeiro
2nd – Amazonas
3rd – Espirito Santo
4th – Distrito Federal
Rio were boosted by a magical performance by playmaker Dani Barbosa, author of a great goal in the tight win, who took home the Best Player of the competition award while her teammate Natalie took the award for Best Goalkeeper.
Amazonas, who finished in second place, and had the top scorer of the competition in their ranks, the talented Estezinha.
Every game was very tightly disputed, showing that women’s beach soccer has been growing in the four corners of the country.
Enhanced by players who have played at the highest level in European championships, the selection of Espírito Santo showed great quality and went into the final round with a real chance of silverware.
Two of the side’s main athletes, Lelê Villar and Barbara Colodetti, played starring roles when the Capixabas took the field against Rio de Janeiro. However, not even the brilliant performance of the whole team, especially Thais Cruz, was enough to clinch the trophy.
Distrito Federal finished in fourth place, after missing out in their final game to Amazonas who took the victory from the penalty spot.
Congratulations to all athletes and teams for their performances, and to the Rio de Janeiro State Beach Soccer Federation for the organization of the event.
Stay up to date on Brazilian beach soccer on the CBSB website.
Photo: NB Photopress – @niltonbriittoo
