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The alpine side edge Spain to claim the cup in this third EBSL stage, as England reigns in the Division B pool
The Swiss National team claimed the cup in this third stage of the Euro Beach Soccer League, after running past Spain in the decider of the tournament. In a game that was very close early but got away from Spain, the Swiss overcame a slow start to score more than enough goals to hold off Spain 9-3 and secure the points that make them champions here in Valence.
The first period was back, but when a defensive miscue led to Borer being left open in the middle of the field, the Swiss forward rocketed a shot into net. Spain quickly answered after getting an advantageous bounce, by netting one of their own. Making the most of their opportunities, including a goal on a direct kick, Spain went into the first break up 2-1.
In the second period both teams used the entire field to spread each other thin. The Swiss´ bomber Dejan Stankovic, who scored twice in the second, opened up a big scoring period for both sides early in the frame. The Swiss pushed very hard and turned Spanish turnovers into goals. The period ended with Switzerland up 5-3.
The third period was very up tempo and saw very few goals on some decent attempts on goal. Switzerland broke through again in the third scoring first, giving them a comfortable lead at 6-3. Spain continued to push but was caught off guard on the counter attack and gave up another few goals, with the score ending up 9-3 Switzerland.
The win, besides granting Switzerland the lead in this EBSL stage, get Schirinzi?s side onto the EBSL Superfinal. Instead, Spain is still in great shape for the season decider, though they do need to earn more points in the next tournament.
Goals: 1-0: Borer, min. 8 (1); 1-1: Juanma, min. 8 (1); 1-2; R. Merida, min. 6 (1); 2-2: Stankovic, min. 10 (2); 3-2: Stankovic, min. 9 (2); 3-3: Pajon, min. 6 (2); 4-3: Spacca, min. 6 (2); 5-3: Misev, min. 3 (2); 6-3: Borer, min. 3 (3); 7-3: Misev, min. 3 (3); 8-3: Borer, min. 1 (3); 9-3: Borer, min. 1 (3)
Portugal snags three points against a combative French team
With Portugal already having secured nine points in the Terracina European Beach Soccer League stage, they were looking to better their place in the Superfinal standings. France, hosting this Valence stage played for something much more, pride. And pride was not enough as Portugal wore down France before ultimately winning 4-1.
Scoring in the first possible second gave France some needed confidence in the first period. France was looking to attack and they were able to create some good scoring opportunities. With only one substitute, France played an extremely tight first quarter. It was worrisome every time a French player went down with an apparent injury. The first period was very close and ended with the score 1-1.
The second frame had some very meticulous ball handling and passing. This kept the game close for both sides, and there were no big chances early on in the period. The Portuguese did score on a nice header from Jose Maria, which broke the tie and made it 2-1 Portugal. France stayed in the game with some great team defense and good goal keeping but Portugal would not continually be denied. Nariso?s side scored twice more in the second, making it 4-1 late in the period, putting some space between them and France.
The third period began with great goalkeeping from Portugal and unlucky misses from France. The Lusitanians had opportunities to increase their lead but France stayed on top of Portugal and did not give them too many chances. The third period was very physical but the referees let both sides play, not blowing the whistle very much.
The third period ended with no goals being scored on either side, so Portugal took their first three points this weekend and, along with their nine earned in Terracina, is in a great spot for the Superfinal. France played poorly in their first match in Valence but they seemed to get better with each match. They look destined for the Promotion final.
Goals: 1-0: Sansoni, min. 11 (1); 1-1: B. Novo, min. 5 (1); 1-2: Jose Maria, min. 7 (2); 1-3: Coimbra, min. 2 (2); 1-4: Jordan, min. 1 (2);
DIVISION B
Penalties decide England as top team in Division B
Coming into this final match undefeated and locks for the Promotion final, both teams looked to take the top overall spot in Division B in Valence. In a very tight match throughout, nothing was determined until the final whistle blew after penalties. Both teams showed why they were the best in this stage in Valence. England was victorious, 2(4)-2(3)in a back and forth penalty-shoot out.
England started the first period attacking the Czech defense and they nearly scored many times. A direct kick was disallowed in the middle of the first period due to a player moving too early. The second attempt was stopped. Some miscues between the Czech defense and their goalkeeper proved to be unimportant as England could not score. And near the end of the period, the Czech Republic seemed to settle down and their offense looked more potent, but the period still ended 0-0.
As in the first period, the second period had many penalties for both teams that stopped the flow of the game. Neither team was able to net a goal early on despite quite a few chances. Nearing the end of the period, the Czech Republic used some nice passing to get the ball to midfielder Slama who connected on a shot to put the Czechs up 1-0.
In the third there was a controversial goal almost disallowed again. After a short discussion, the goal was allowed because a throw in by England´s goalie, Webb, did touch the head of his own player, Corbett, before scoring. In the middle of the third, Temple was given a second yellow and a subsequent red card, creating a one-man advantage for the Czech Republic for 3 minutes. With the advantage, the Czechs scored to make it 2-1, but that was not the end of the game, as Webb?s missile sent the game into the extra time.
Extra time was very exciting, seeing both squads almost score but the game went to penalties. Even the penalties went back and forth, finally seeing England win in part because of the final kick taken by Day, taking the best advantage of Webb?s denial to Hurab?s last attempt for the Czech.
With the win England is crowned the winner of Divison B in Valence and the two points give them a better standing in the Promotion Final, but the Czech Republic is still headed to Promotion final at a lower seed.
Goals: 1-0: Slama, min. 4 (2); 1-1: Visek (og), min. 9 (3); 2-1: Stejskal, min. 4 (3); 2-2: Webb, min. 1 (3);
Penalty kick shoot out: Chalupa, in; Evans, in; Slama, miss; Mitchel, miss; Kovarik, in; Blake, in; Bocek, in; Clarke, in; Hurab, Webb saves; Day, in.
Moldova gets three points in impressive comeback
With both nations only playing for pride, Moldova showed resolve in coming from behind 3-0 to win 3-6 against Andorra. Both teams were looking for their first points in the tournament and Moldova came out on top after their offense scored in the second, but really came to life in the third period.
In a tight first period, both teams were in want of offense. Both sides played a clean and fast first period where there were some very near misses by both sides. Great help defense kept Andorra from giving up any goals in the first twelve minutes, as Moldova used their height advantage to stop Andorra?s´ attempts. Some very beautiful individual efforts went unrewarded as the score at the end of the first period remained 0-0.
The second period had much more offense with Blazquez of Andorra getting the scoring started with two well placed shots in corners of the net. Andorra had a distinct speed advantage and they utilized that very well in the second. Moldova´s defense had a few lapses in judgment, but the offense got on the board at the end of period and the period ended 3-1, advantage Andorra.
The third period started out very quickly and showed the resolve that Moldova has. The Moldovans scored quickly on a great strike from Podlesnov to open the third. Down 3-2, Moldova continued to push the ball and up the tempo, coming up with many great chances. This proved to be the difference, as Moldova overcame a three goal deficit to tie and eventually go on to win 6-3. Seconds before the hooter, Ayala of Andorra was given a red card for intentionally using his hands to stop a goal that was all but in the net. Moldova missed the penalty, though.
With the win by Moldova, they can hold their heads high by leaving Valence on a high note, scoring their first points of the stage in the last match.
Goals: 1-0: Blazquez, min. 10 (2); 2-0: Blazquez, min. 7 (2); 3-0: Toscano, min. 3 (2); 3-1: Butuc, min. 2 (2); 3-2: Podlesnov, min. 10 (3); 3-3: Istrati, min. 5 (3); 3-4: Podlesnov, min. 5 (3); 3-5: Racovita, min. 3 (3); 3-6: Podlesnov, min 1. (3)
EURO BEACH SOCCER LEAGUE VALENCE 2013
Match results:
Friday, 21st of June, 2013
14:45 ? Moldova 3-9 Czech Republic (Division B)
16:00 ? England 4-2 Andorra (Division B)
17:15 ? Portugal 3-4 Spain (Division A)
18:30 ? France 4-12 Switzerland (Division A)
Saturday, 22nd of June, 2013
14:15 ? Czech Republic 11-5 Andorra (Division B)
15:30 ? England 2-1 Moldova (Division B)
16:45 ? Switzerland 6-2 Portugal (Division A)
18:00 ? Spain 5-2 France (Division A)
Sunday, 23rd of June, 2013
14:15 ? Andorra 3-6 Moldova (Division B)
15:30 ? Czech Republic 2(3)-2(4) England (Division B)
16:45 ? Switzerland vs Spain (Division A)
18:00 ? France vs Portugal (Division A)
Final standings
DIVISION A
Winners: Switzerland
Runner-ups: Spain
DIVISION B
Winners: England
Runner-ups: Czech Republic
Individual awards:
MVP: Dejan Stankovic (SUI)
Top scorer: Dejan Stankovic (SUI) ? 8 goals
Best goalkeeper: Valentin Jaeggy (SUI)
