Switzerland and Netherlands hit first in Nazaré

The Alpine react and bend Greece, as the Dutch upset defending champions Spain in Women’s Euro Beach Soccer Cup opening

Heen and Steinemann lead the Swiss reaction

Switzerland bagged a loud win in the opening of the Women’s Euro Beach Soccer Cup 2017, taking place in Nazaré this weekend. The Alpine side knew how to overcome Greece’s early opener, gearing up in the second period to get hold of the game’s control and cruise to the points.

The Hellenic side caught the Swiss by surprise in the first minute of the game, when Potsiou found the back of Kehrli’s nets to sweep his side ahead. During the first period of the game, things remained tightly balanced, and Switzerland were unable to find the crack in their opponent’s resistance. 

But things changed drastically in the second period. Franziska Steinemann and Nicole Heen pulled the curtain of their stunning performances and led the Swiss comeback, with two goals each. 

With seconds ticking down to the final hooter, Heer and Maurer added to the already solid advantage for Switzerland, thus closing a loud score that has the Alpine on top of the table in Group B of this Women’s Euro Beach Soccer Cup Nazaré 2017. 

Goals: 0-1: Potsiou, min. 10 (1); 1-1: Steinemann, min. 8 (2); 2-1: Heen, min. 5 (2); 3-1: Steinemann, min. 4 (3); 4-1: Heen, min. 2 (2); 5-1: Heer, min. 0 (3); 6-1: Maurer, min. 0 (3)

Netherlands upset defending champions Spain

Spain, Women’s Euro Beach Soccer Cup defending champions, had not the debut they were expecting in this year’s edition. The Netherlands, with a splendid Grytsje Van de Berg, denied all the attempts by the Spaniards, but one, to end up prevailing in this clash opening the competition in Group A. 

Van de Berg, Dutch captain, gave the match a very early start, tapping the first home just one minute into the game. That had Spain swimming against the tide since the very beginning and needing a huge effort to reach the Oranje goal.

Maria Soto finally found the equalizer for Joaquin Alonso’s side, leaving everything open for the third period. But in the final frame, Van de Berg hit again, putting Spain against the ropes once again. This time, despite they tried really hard, La Roja could not equalise, and the three points flew to Dutch hands.

Goals: 0-1: Van de Berg, min. 10 (1); 1-1: Soto, min. 2 (2); 1-2: Van de Berg, min. 11 (3);