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MY BEACH SOCCER 
Poland earns the chance to defend their Division A spot in the Promotion Final, where they will take on mighty Hungary
Russia exacts revenge and heads to Superfinal
Russia’s 6-2 win over Belarus was a bit of revenge for their regular season loss to the Belarusians but also it was redeeming and reassuring to the Russian beach soccer powerhouse as they had lost their second match in Torredembarra and were at risk of not only not being able to defend their title of European Champion, but also of missing the European Olympics in Baku in 2015. All of their worries were assuaged as they took care of business. Russia will face the Spain on Sunday in the Superfinal. The loss was disappointing for Belarus but playing the world champions so tough leaves something to be said about Belarus. The Belarusians will face Germany in the Superfinal 7th Place Match on Sunday. Portugal finished 2nd in the group and will play Switzerland in the Superfinal 3rd Place Match on Sunday. Italy finished third and will take on Ukraine in the Superfinal 5th Place Match against Ukraine on Sunday.
Russia knew what they had to do, regardless of the previous matches, win and score big. They started their final group match by doing just that, with the first goal coming within one minute and the last coming with just over two minutes left in the period. When the first period was said and done, the score was 4-0, for Russia. The middle frame saw the defenses take a step-up and limit the goals, but that could not stop either side from netting one goal each and as the second period ended, Russia found themselves up 5-1.
The final frame was back-and-forth as both teams scored within a minute of each other and the will to win was very evident. First, Russia restored their five goal lead, but Belarus never gave up and scored again to get back within four goals heading into the final minutes of the match. Belarus could not get any closer and Russia finished the match up 6-2.
Goals: 1-0: Peremitin, min.11 (1); 2-0: Krash, min. 10 (1); 3-0: Krash, min. 4 (1); 4-0: Peremitin, min. 2 (1); Peremitin, min. 7 (2); 5-1: Bryshtel, min. 7 (2); 6-1: Romanov, min. 7 (3); 6-2: Bokach, min. 6 (3).
Spain runs through Switzerland to Superfinal
The 8-2 win for Spain over Switzerland was as dominant an effort as anyone can give against the powerful Swiss team. Spain used their star Llorenç to speed past The Nati, while quieting the Switzerland stars at the same time. The Spanish displayed their full array of weapons with multiple scorers taking part in the action as well the defense being on full alert. The win sends Spain to the Superfinal on Sunday against Russia. The top six teams are locks for the European Olympic Games in Baku in 2015, so both Spain and Switzerland were already safe. Switzerland will play for 3rd place against an Italian side that will be determined to take them down.
Spain would like to take revenge on Russia for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti 2013 finals loss that they endured, and they started the road to that realization as they scored first in their match against fellow beach soccer staple, Switzerland. Llorenç scored on a rebound that could not be cleared by the Swiss, and gave his team the 1-0 lead, just past the midway point in the period. The goalposts were struck multiple times and the direct kicks went unfulfilled as the period ended with Spain up 1-0. The crowd noise and energy fueled the players to play even harder and the atmosphere of the middle frame only added to the importance the match already had. Spain struck early in the period to add to the ambiance, then they tacked on two late goals to take a 4-0 lead into the final period.
Switzerland did not lay down when they looked at a five goal deficit and early in the third period, one of their many star goal scorers, Ott, scored his teams’ first goal of the match and ignited hopes of a large comeback. Spain quickly quieted the Swiss with Llorenç’s second goal of the match midway through the final period in addition to Pajon’s second less than a minute later. The final minutes were a frenzy as the Switzerland team did not let up and Spain continued to play their game also. The flurry of shots led to one last Spanish and Swiss goals the defeated their European rivals 8-2.
Goals: 0-1: Llorenç, min. 5 (1); 0-2: Pajon, min. 10 (2); 0-3: Antonio, min. 4 (2); 0-4: Llorenç, min. 1 (2); 0-5: Juanma, min. 11 (3); 1-5: Ott, min. 10 (3); 1-6: Llorenç, min. 7 (3); 1-7: Pajon, min. 6 (3); 1-8: Fran Mejias, min. 0 (3); 2-8: Borer, min. 0 (3).
Ukraine bursts into European Olympics and Superfinal 5th place match
The 6-0 win for Ukraine over Germany began tight and then the Ukrainians pulled away to seal their spot for the European Olympics in 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The win was the first for Ukraine over the weekend but secured them third place in their group and consequently a spot in the Superfinal 5th place match. The European Olympics will take the first six teams in Division A, so regardless of Sunday’s result in the Superfinal, Ukraine will be in the European Olympics. Germany was unable to secure a win over the weekend but they will have a chance in their final match on Sunday, in the Superfinal 7th place match against the 4th place team in Group 1.
The intensity in the opening minutes was palpable as these squads both wanted to be the 3rd place team in the group and qualify for the first ever European Olympics in 2015 in Baku. Goals did not come early with the two teams looking to crack the others’ tactics, but in the final minutes of the opening frame, The Blue and Yellows figured out the German defense and scored three late goals to go into the first break up 3-0. Offense was at a premium in the middle frame as Germany and Ukraine were utilizing their defenses to wear the other team down, and it worked until the final minute when Ukraine added to their lead and took a 4-0 advantage into the final frame.
Germany maintained their stiff defense in the final frame but they still were not able to find enough offense to combat the Ukrainian defense. Ukraine used their defense to push the offense and added two quick goals in the middle of the final frame to take a demanding lead on the proceedings. Going into the final minutes of the match, Ukraine had slowed their story but still held onto a 6 goal advantage. When the final horn sounded the score was 6-0, for Ukraine.
Goals: 1-0: R. Budzko, min. 3 (1); 2-0: Budzko, min. 1 (1); 3-0: Borsuk, min. 0 (1); 4-0: Korniichuk, min. 0 (2); 5-0: Budzko, min. 7 (3); 6-0: Zborovskvi, min. 6 (3).
Italy wins to create logjam at top of group
The 6-3 Italy win over Portugal was a thriller that both sides wanted to win and looked like they both could do at any time. The Portuguese hit home first but Italy went on an offensive tear and took a big lead that they were able to hold onto. The win puts Italy at the top of Division A Group 1, but if Russia wins their match against Belarus, Russia will be headed to the Superfinal on Sunday, and not Italy. Loss puts Portugal in either 2nd or 3rd in the group, depending on the Russian outcome.
A spot in the Promotion final was on the line and the two beach soccer giants played equally as tough and determined in the early going. Portugal always enjoys playing from the front and they gave themselves that luxury at the midway point of the first period when Coimbra netted one to give his team the 1-0 lead, which is how the period would end. Italy came out of the gates firing and were able to net their first of the match and tie the game at 1, less than a minute into the middle frame. The Azzurri took their first lead, at 2-1, of the match with a great give-and-go passing sequence that Zurlo nailed into the goal. The Italians went on scoring rampage, taking their lead up to 6-1, before Portugal refocused and scored on a penalty kick to bring the score to 6-2, and the period would end with same score.
Portugal wanted the win and the belief that they can win no matter the situation helped give them an early third period goal from Jordan to put the score at 6-3, Italy. The two teams were so bent on winning that they were doing everything in their power, on or off the ball to give their team an advantage. The two rivals had not found any more goals as they went into the all-important final minutes of the match. Going into the last minutes the intensity was at an all-time high but that did not result in any goals and the period ended with the score of 6-3 for Italy.
Goals: 1-0: Coimbra, min. 6 (1); 1-1; Frainetti, min. 11 (2); 1-2: Zurlo, min. 9 (2); 1-3: Gori, min. 8 (2); 1-4: Palmacci, min. 5 (2); 1-5: Corosiniti, min. 3 (2); 1-6: Zurlo, min. 3 (2); 2-6: Alan, min. 3 (2); 3-6: Jordan, min. 9 (3);
Poland wins and builds confidence for Promotion Final
Poland’s 4-1 victory over the Czech Republic was a great show of timely offense and deep benches from both teams. The rosters were a little different than they were on the opening days and that was because getting some of the younger and future stars is very important in such an important event such as this one. All of the best teams have players on the bench who do not start or get to play in as many events and today showed why these are two very good teams. The win leaves Poland undefeated heading into their Sunday showdown against Hungary, for the Promotion Final. The Czech Republic finished 3rd in Group 1, ahead of Bulgaria, and will take on the 3rd place team from Group 2, England, for 5th place in the Promotion Final.
The action started early in the match, despite no goals were seen in the first period, however once the first goal came, things began to snowball into even bigger action. Poland struck first but the Czech Republic answered quickly to tie things at 1. The final minutes of the opening period were just as exciting and Poland tacked on another goal to take the 2-1 lead into the first break. The entertainment did not cease in the second period, though heading into the final minutes of the frame there had been no goals. That changed when Piechnik notched the first goal of the frame to put the Polish up by two goals at 3-1, which is how the period ended.
The final period was very physical as the teams knew they wanted to instill their will but going into the final minutes there had been no more goals scored as the Czech Republic hung around and were still very much in the match, only facing a two goal deficit. Poland was unable to capitalize on the red card that was given to the Czech Republic in the final minutes, however it did not matter in the end as Poland scored once again very late in the match to secure their 4-1 victory.
Goals: 1-0: Burzawa, min. 7 (1); 1-1: Mandik, min. 6 (1); 2-1: Taraszkowski, min. 4 (1); 3-1: Piechnik, min. 5 (2); 4-1: Burzawa, min. 1 (3).
Hungary headed to Promotion Final and European Olympics after win
The 6-2 win for Hungary over Turkey puts them in Promotion Final against Poland and regardless of that outcome; they will be headed to the inaugural European Olympics in Baku in 2015 as Turkey is already in Division A and cannot qualify for the Euro Olympics. The win puts Hungary at the top of Division B Group 2 and pits them against the Division B Group 1 winner, Poland, in the Promotion Final on Sunday. Turkey finishes second in the group, pushing England into 3rd in the group. Turkey will face the 2nd place team in Group 1 which will be Azerbaijan on Sunday.
The high-quality brand of beach soccer that Turkey and Hungary both play was on showcase in the first period as there were flashes of brilliant offense and defense, but no goals were scored early in the frame. Despite the chances, neither team found the back of the net and the score remained tied at 0 at the end of the first frame. Hungary were determined to play from ahead and they created a chance for themselves and did not miss, scoring the first goal of the match and the second period ended with the score of Hungary 1-0 Turkey.
Drama was abundant in the opening minute of the final period as Turkey crowded the penalty area and slotted home a shot that was sent across the face of goal, to level things at 1. In the same minute, Hungary retook the lead, only to add onto it, getting the score to 4-1. At that point, Turkey attempted the big comeback with a goal of their own, putting the deficit at two, but Hungary replied with a goal on the restart to put the score at 5-2, Hungary. The Magyar added another late goal to ensure their spot in the European Olympics and the Promotion Final with the 6-2 victory.
Goals: 0-1: Turos, min. 5 (2); 1-1: Yücel, min. 11 (3); 1-2: Fekete, min. 11 (2); 1-3: Badalik, min. 10 (3); 1-4: Turos, min. 9 (3); 2-4: Yücel, min. 6 (3); 2-5; Fekete, min. 6 (3); 2-6: Fekete, min. 3 (3).
England wins 2nd match, eyes 3rd in Promotion Final
The 5-2 win for England was great display of England’s beach soccer ability, showing steady goalkeeping, team defense, and thumping offensive attacks. England went down early but responded nicely with three late unanswered goals to finish off the Estonians. The win gives England five points, but their chances of promoting to Division A are over Estonia will play for 7th place in the Promotion Final on Sunday, as they did not win a match in the Group Stage.
England and Estonia were both looking for their first wins of the weekend and The Blueshirts took the first steps in securing the coveted points that accompany a win, with a goal from the acutest of angles. England booted their own rocket into the net and leveled the score late in the opening period, putting the score at 1-1 heading into the first break. The middle frame saw both teams miss open opportunities, however The Three Lions took their lead of the day midway through the period. The lead did not last long as Estonia scored the equalizer just a minute later and the two teams headed into the final break knotted at 2.
The English saw a tied score and decided to do something about it, first was a goal from and then shortly after, Day, netted his first to put his team up 4-2 heading into the last few minutes of the match. Corbett made sure that England felt safer in the last part of the match with a great strike to put his team up by 3. England held on for the win, their second in as many days and when the final whistle sounded, they were up 5-2.
Goals: 1-0: R. Rump, min. 6 (1); 1-1: Lawson, min. 2 (1); 1-2: Day, min. 6 (2); 2-2: Minlibajev, min. 5 (2); 2-3: Evans, min. 8 (3); 2-4: Day, min. 7 (3); 2-5: Corbett, min. 1 (3).
Azerbaijan cruises to 2nd in group
Azerbaijan’s 7-2 win over Bulgaria was dominant from start to finish as they played excellent on offense and defense from start to finish. Azerbaijan clung to a slim lead after the first period but charged forward in the second frame, while maintaining pressure through the final period. The win gives Azerbaijan six points in the group and second place, behind Poland. The two second place teams in each Division B group will play for the Promotion Final 3rd Place on Sunday, with Azerbaijan facing Turkey. Bulgaria will be facing Estonia on Sunday in the Promotion Final 7th Place match.
The Azerbaijan and Bulgaria match was played very tight and neither squad separated themselves in the opening minutes. The stalemate ended with a great shot and finish from Asif of Azerbaijan, that gave his team a 1-0 lead. The Azeri doubled their lead shortly after the first goal on a ricocheting shot from Jomard found the back of the net, which put them up 2-0. Bulgaria looked ready to get back into proceedings early in the middle frame but they were unable to capitalize on the chances. Contrarily, Azerbaijan made the most of their looks and when the period ended, Bulgaria had scored to prevent a clean sheet, but Azerbaijan did also, putting the score at 4-1 for Azerbaijan going into the final period.
The final frame began with Azerbaijan controlling proceedings, however Bulgaria did add another goal to draw within four goals. Sitting at 4-2, Azerbaijan tried to keep the pressure on and did not sit back and wait. Bulgaria still put themselves in positions to score more goals and spark the dream of a comeback, but they did not come to fruition. At the end of the match Azerbaijan finished the victor, with a score of 7-2.
Goals: 1-0: Asif, min. 7 (1); 2-0: Jomard, min. 5 (1); 3-0: Orkhan, min. 9 (2); 4-0: Jomard, min. 5 (2); 4-1: Martinov, min. 5 (2); 5-1: Zeynal, min. 1 (2); 6-1: Jomard, min. 8 (3); 6-2: G. Filipov, min. 7 (3); 7-2: Zeynal, min. 1 (3).
EURO BEACH SOCCER LEAGUE SUPERFINAL & PROMOTION FINAL TORREDEMBARRA 2014
Saturday 16.08.14
10:15 – Estonia 2-5 England (Division B – Group 2)
11:30 – Azerbaijan 7-2 Bulgaria (Division B – Group 1)
12:45 – Turkey 2-6 Hungary (Division B – Group 2)
14:00 – Poland 4-1 Czech Republic (Division B – Group 1)
15:15 – Ukraine 6-0 Germany (Division A – Group 2)
16:30 – Portugal 3-6 Italy (Division A – Group 1)
17:45 – Russia 6-2 Belarus (Division A – Group 1)
19:00 – Switzerland 2-8 Spain (Division A – Group 2)
Sunday 17.08.14
10:15 – Bulgaria vs Estonia (Promotion Final – 7th Place Match)
11:30 – Czech Rep. vs England – Promotion Final – 5th Place Match
12:45 – Belarus vs Germany Superfinal – 7th Place Match
14:00 – Ukraine vs Italy – 5th Place Match
15:15 – Azerbaijan vs Turkey (Promotion Final – 3rd Place Match)
16:30 – Poland vs Hungary (PROMOTION FINAL)
17:45 – Switzerland vs Portugal – 3rd Place Match
19:00 – Spain vs Russia – Final
