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MY BEACH SOCCER 
Every team is ready to hoist the coveted hardware on Sunday but only a select few will after their emotional final matches
France sets bar high for the day in exciting win
The 5-4 win for France was as thrilling as could be with sides making runs and scoring goals that would make any fan of offense proud. Poland scored first but their lead did not last long as the French replied with three unanswered goals before Poland stormed back to tie it. The French then scored two quick goals that could have broken the Polish backs but it did not as Poland scored again, but only the once more as France hung on with the win. France will play again on Sunday for sole possession of 13th place on the line. Poland will play in the 15th place match on Sunday.
France began the match by taking more shots on goal but the first score did not come until over halfway through the period when Ziober struck the ball sweetly to put his team up 1-0. France looked like a team that relished on the fact of being down and they quickly replied with a diving finish from Barbotti that tied the score at 1 going into the final minutes of the frame. The closing minute saw a bombardment of shots from Poland but they did not score and the period ended tied at 1. The middle frame saw France ask more questions of the Polish defense but the sides had played to a stalemate going into the heart of the match. Samoun of Les Bleus gave his team their first lead late in the period on a strong shot that just got by Poland’s keeper. France scorched another shot in from Lauthe with under 30 seconds left to take a 3-1 lead into the final frame.
There was a strong sense of urgency to the Red and Whites and their offense in the first few minutes of the final period, and rightly so as they were down two against an extremely tough France defense. The need and will to make the comeback worked to perfection as Poland scored two quick goals in the same minute, both from Ziober, giving him three on the day and tying the score at 3. Barely two minutes had passed when the Polish scored an own goal to put themselves in a whole and thing were compounded when Barbotti scored his second goal of the day, restoring the two goal French lead at 5-3. The bicycle kick specialist, Saganowski, scored midway through the frame to get Poland back to within one goal at 5-4. That was all the Polish squad had left and when the match ended, the score was 5-4 for France.
Goals: 0-1: Ziober, min.5 (1); 1-1: Barbotti, min. 4 (1); 2-1: Samoun, min. 2 (2); 3-1: Lauthe, min. 0 (2); 3-2: Ziober, min. 7 (3); 3-3: Ziober, min. 7 (3); 4-3: Wydmuszek (O.G.), min. 6 (3); 5-3: Barbotti, min. 6 (3); 5-4; Sagnowski, min. 5 (3).
Azerbaijan uses sound defense to clinch win
Azerbaijan’s 6-3 win over Greece was filled with stops and defensive stands that can only expected from two very tough sides. Azerbaijan began the match much quicker than Greece but the Pirate Ship admirably fought back in the third period to tie matters, but the Azerbaijani regained their top offensive form and scored two more goals that restored their early two goal lead. Azerbaijan will play France in the 13th place match on Sunday. Greece will finish the tournament taking on Poland on the 15th place match on Sunday.
Drawing first blood is a good way to start any match and against a stingy Greek defense, it was a perfect start for Azerbaijan who took the lead in the first minute. Greece shored up their back line and did not allow Azerbaijan to get very close, but they also were not able to press the attack and the period ended with Azerbaijan still up 1-0. The early scoring trend continued as the Azerbaijani scored again in the first minute, this time in the middle frame off of a defensive mistake from the Greeks. The goal put the score at 2-0 for Azerbaijan and though Greece was knocking on the door on multiple occasions, they were not able to find the goals they needed to make Azerbaijan uncomfortable. The Azerbaijan offense found themselves in many scoring chances but they were content with their two goal lead as their defense looked very solid. The buzzer sounded to signify the end of the period and Azerbaijan owned a 2-0 lead going into the last break.
Greece began the period with a fire in their eyes as they scored two rapid goals to tie things at 2. Azerbaijan could have let the goals dishearten them but they did not and they replied with another two goals to double-up the Greeks at 4-2. Orkhan then scored for Azerbaijan to push the lead to three goals but Greece had an answer with a goal from Papaefstratiou to make the score 5-3. Azerbaijan scored another late goal, this one from Sabir, to psu the score to 6-3 which is how the match would finish.
Goals: 1-0: Zeynal, min.11 (1); 2-0: Sabir, min. 11 (2); 2-1: Gritzalis, min. 11 (3); 2-2: Paris, min. 10 (3); 3-2: Amid, min. 10 (3); 4-2: Sabir, min. 8 (3); 5-2: Orkhan, min. 4 (3); 5-3; Papaefstratiou, min. 1 (3); 6-3: Sabir, min. 1 (3).
Turkey stifles Estonia for win
Turkey’s 5-3 win over Estonia included overheads, amazing reflex saves, and aerial shots that would make a circus acrobat proud. Beach soccer nearly always includes plays like this but the exemplary events in this match were noticeable. Estonia nailed an early goal but then Turkey and the Blueshirts exchanged blows until it seemed like the Turkish side was running away with the match but Estonia pulled back into the match, only to see Turkey take control late in the match. The win gives Turkey consecutive victories in the tournament and they will play for 9th place on Sunday. Estonia will play in the 11th place match on Sunday.
The goals were flowing in the opening minutes of the match as both sides had scored the first from Mäeorg and Estonia and then the equalizer from Turkey’s Baris that set the score at 1-1. The defenses then stepped up their games and quieted the scoring but the two teams still attempted to push the issues and asks questions of the backlines. Estonia scored late in the frame but Turkey replied with a penalty kick goal from Baris, his second goal of the period, and the first 12 minutes of action ended tied at 2. Turkey was the first to strike early in the middle frame on a blast from S. Ahmet, that put the score at 3-2 for Turkey. Going into the final minutes of the period, both teams had settled into their game plans with Turkey attacking and Estonia waiting for the right moment to counter and catch the Crescent Stars’ defense off-guard. Turkey struck again though, and not Estonia, with just over a minute remaining in the period, which put his team up 4-2 going into the final period.
Estonia scored the first goal of the final period, to pull to within one goal at 4-3, but Sosi’s goal was quickly countered by another goal from Turkey as S. Ahmet nailed his second goal of the match to restore the two goal lead at 5-3. Estonia used their defense to set up their offense but the two goals they were missing could not be found as the game went into the final two minutes with Turkey still up 5-3. Turkey did not stop playing at a high tempo but to feel a little safer they needed another goal, though it did not come and the match ended with Turkey up 5-3.
Goals: 0-1: Mäeorg, min.11 (1); 1-1: Baris, min. 9 (1); Truusalu, min. 3 (1); 2-2: Baris, min. 2 (1); 3-2: S. Ahmet, min. 8 (2); 4-2: Baris, min. 1 (2); 4-3: Sosi, min. 10, min. 10 (3); 5-3: S. Ahmet, min. 8 (3).
Germany fights back from early deficit to defeat England
Germany’ 5-2 victory was an example of all the different aspects of beach soccer with a first period full of goals and then a middle period full of saves, all followed by a dramatic final period that saw Germany take control for good. England took the 2-0 lead but Germany went on a scoring spree over the three periods to slow down the English attack and put themselves in the perfect position to win. The win means Germany will play in the 9th place match on Sunday against fellow Saturday winner, Turkey. England did well to push all their opponents in the tournament and will close out on Sunday against Estonia in the 11th place match.
Finishing as the 9th best team in Europe is quite an accomplishment with the depth of talent that the Old Continent possesses and like they did yesterday, England showed their fire by scoring first. The one goal lead did not stand for long as it quickly as England doubled their lead with a goal from Corbett, making the score 2-0. Germany is no team to get comfortable with and they changed proceedings with their first goal, only seconds after the second English goal, to put the score at 2-1. Germany bided their time and scored again in the final seconds of the opening frame to square things at 2. The goals were plenty in the first period and the saves were spectacular in the middle frame as both keepers showed their skills and importance to the teams. The closing minutes were stop-and-go with neither side being able to seize momentum until the last seconds of the period, as Kniller of Germany, gave his team their first lead of the match on an absolute blast from distance the put the score at 3-2 going into the 3rd period.
Germany took the bull by the horns in the opening minute of the final period by scoring their fourth unanswered goal on a strike from Keppinho, which was his second of the match, to give his side the 4-2 lead. The two goal lead was slim but the German defense was too swarming for the Three Lions to get back the two goals they needed. The Germans tacked on another goal, their fifth of the match and first for Olli, to go up 5-2 heading into the final minutes of the match. Germany had sufficiently done enough to secure the win and the final whistle blew with them up 5-2.
Goals: 0-1: Clarke, min.9 (1); 0-2: Corbett, min. 8 (1); 1-2: Keppinho, min. 8 (1); 2-2: Weirauch, min. 0 (1); 3-2: Kniller, min. 0 (2); 4-2: Keppinho, min. 11 (3); 5-2: Olli, min. 3 (3).
Belarus uses hat-trick and defense to secure victory
The 4-1 win for Belarus over Hungary was a testament to the fortitude of Belarus as they went down early and did not look ready for the match but they turned things around and bounced back from a tough loss against Italy on Friday night. Hungary scored quickly but they could not keep the lead as Belarus responded with four unanswered goals. The win means Belarus will play for 5th place on Sunday, which is still an accomplishment despite narrowly missing a chance to play in the World Cup. Hungary will play for sole possession of 7th place on Sunday.
Hungary started the match with some opportunities to score and they looked very sharp, but as Belarus found their bearings, they looked ready to do some damage to the Hungarian defense. Hungary still got out front first on a great free kick from Fekete taken near the midway line, that put the Golden Team up 1-0. Belarus scored the equalizer on a beautiful header from Slavutsin, with just over a minute left in the first period. The intensity of the first 12 minutes ended with the score knotted at 1. Belarus upped their energy in the second period and their star Bryshtsel used great defense to force a turnover and score, giving his team their first lead at 2-1. Bryshtsel, the talismanic Belarusian player scored again late in the period to give Belarus the biggest lead of the match, two goals, at 3-1, which is where the score sat when the second period ended.
Belarus may have started the match slower than they would have wanted but they sure closed the middle frame strong coincidently they started fast in the third and final period by scoring quickly. The early goal came from Bryshtsel, his third of the day and it set the score at 4-1. Hungary was always on the prowl for the goals they needed but scoring those goals is always easier said than done against the stiff Belarus defense. A change in keeper for Belarus made no difference as they shut-out the Hungarians for the second and third periods and the score ended with Belarus up 4-1.
Goals: 1-0: Fekete, min. 5 (1); 1-1: Slavutsin, min. 1 (1); 1-2: Bryshtsel, min. 10 (2); 1-3: Bryshtsel, min. 3 (2); 1-4: Bryshtsel, min. 9 (3).
Ukraine outguns Romania in barnburner
Ukraine’s 9-7 win was so fast and exciting that everyone involved could barely keep up. Belarus jumped out front first but Ukraine quickly responded and the rest of the match was played nearly to a draw with both teams exchanging haymaker after haymaker before Ukraine scored two late goals in the second period that put just enough space between them and Romania. The win means that Ukraine will face Belarus on Sunday in the 5th place match. Romania will next play on Sunday and against Hungary in the 7th place match.
Having a leader that can score from almost anywhere on the pitch is crucial for any side to be competitive and luckily for Romania they have that person in Maci. Maci scored in the opening minute to put the Tricolorii up 1-0. Romania had to wait until just over five minutes were left in the period to score again, on a great flick and finish from Raj, to go up 2-0. Ukraine did not find much open space in the Romanian half but Medvid did find an opening an scored to put the score at 2-1 for Romania. Romania’s defense started showing some cracks and the Blue and Yellows scored again, on a shot from Panteleichuk, to tie things at 2. A dangerous free kick is what gave Maci his second goal of the period and Romania’s third, but Romania was not finished as Zaharia used a diving header to score and set the score at 4-2 going into the first break. The middle frame began very quickly as Ukraine was awarded a penalty kick and connected to get back within 3-4. Zborovskyi scored the penalty and less than 15 seconds later he scored again to tie matters at 4, with over 11 minutes left in the period. The momentum had clearly swung to Ukraine but Maci scored his third goal to put Romania back up by 1. An own goal from Romania quickly shifted the momentum back to Ukraine as they exchanged two goals before Ukraine rattled off another two straight to go up 8-6 into the final break.
The speed of the game was played at a sprint in the first two periods but the tempo slowed a bit in the third period as fans and players caught their breath. The teams did not find the spark they had in the opening periods but Raj did hit the back of the net late in the frame to pull the Tricolorii to within one goal at 8-7, it was Raj’s second of the match. Pachev then scored the deciding goal, his second of the match, to put the score just out of reach at 9-7, and the match ended with that same score.
Goals: 0-1: Maci, min.11 (1); 0-2: Raj, min. 5 (1); 1-2: Medvid, min. 3 (1); 2-2: Panteleichuk, min. 2 (1); 2-3: Maci, min. 1 (1); 2-4: Zaharia, min. 0 (1); 3-4: Zborovskyi, min. 11 (2); 4-4: Zborovskyi, min. 11 (2); 4-5: Maci, min. 5 (2); 5-5: Jimmy (O.G.), min. 5 (2); 6-5: Zborovskyi, min. 2 (2); 6-6: Maci, min. 2 (2); 7-6: Zborovskyi, min. 2 (2); 8-6: Pachev, min. 1 (2); 8-7: Raj, min. 1 (3); 9-7: Pachev, min. 0 (3).
Switzerland advances to final with classic overtime win
The 5-4 (aet) win for Switzerland over Spain was everything you could have hoped for in a final, let alone a semifinal match. Spain came out firing and took the early two goal lead but Switzerland regained their form and composure just in time. Switzerland needed a goal from their Swiss bomber to take their first lead late in the third period, but Spain used their own star to tie the match at 4 in the final seconds to send the game to extra time. The overtime was back-and-forth however Switzerland had the last laugh and scored, then hung on to win. The win puts Switzerland in the final on Sunday against Russia. Spain will play in the 3rd place match against Italy on Sunday as well.
Spain began their match on Friday not looking like their best but they began their match today against Switzerland looking very dangerous and after getting two quick goals from Juanma and Antonio they looked poised to prove that their slow start against Ukraine was a fluke and an outlier, not the norm. The Swiss offense is always a threat, especially with Stankovic playing at his best and sure enough, he netted the first goal for Switzerland to bring them back to within one goal at 1-2, which is how the first period would end. Dona of Spain and Valentin of Switzerland had some great sequences of goalkeeping but Spain eventually broke through with a great shot that went directly off of Mo for an own goal and it restored Spain’s two goal lead. A superb individual effort from Leu and a spectacular run and finish from Spacca put the Nati back in striking distance and it also seemed to take some air out of the Spanish attack. The period ended with the Spanish still clinging to the one goal lead.
Switzerland continued their late second period trend by placing all the pressure on La Furia Roja but the early minutes of the deciding period produced no goals until Schirinzi smacked home a great volley that tied the match at three. The Spanish turned some of their offensive magic back on but were not able to score and the match remained tied going into the final few minutes of the match. The physical nature of the match picked up and both sides were not willing to back down. The Swiss took their first lead of the match with under three minutes left in the game on a booming direct kick from Stankovic, his second goal of the match. The score sat at 4-3 for Switzerland as the match wound down to the most crucial moments. Spain undeniable star, Llorenç came up huge in the last minute to tie the game at 4 and shift the momentum back to Spain. The late goal was enough to send the match into overtime. The first and only goal in the extra frame came from Leu of Switzerland after great distribution from his keeper and the match ended with Switzerland up 5-4.
Goals: 0-1: Juanma, min.10 (1); 0-2: Antonio, min. 9 (1); 1-2: Stankovic, min. 4 (1); 1-3: Mo (O.G.), min. 9 (2); 2-3: Spacca, min. 7 (2); 3-3: Schrinizi, min. 9 (3); 4-3: Stankovic, min. 2 (3); 4-4: Llorenç, min. 0 (3); 5-4: Leu, min. 1 (et).
Russia surgical in slicing Italian defense for win
Russia’s 5-3 win was not the most convincing win but it was thorough and showed why Russia is the current champion. Russia faced a hostile crowd, went down early, fought back, and nearly ran away with the match. Italy was ready for the Russians and scored first but Russia used their sound team play to slowly break down the Italian defense. The win for Russia means they will face Switzerland in the final on Sunday. Italy will play in the 3rd place match against Spain on Sunday.
Offense is always commonplace with these two teams who both have superstars and technically sound players and Italy utilized their gifted player, Gori, first, as he netted a penalty kick to put his squad up 1-0 early into proceedings. Gori added to his goal total with an amazing overhead kick that put his team up 2-0 with just over five minutes to play in the opening period. The period would end with both teams pushing matters further but no more goals and the score was 2-0 for Italy going into the first break. The second period began much different for Russia as they not only scored first but looked more at ease on both sides of the ball. The speed did not change as both teams were playing to win, but the goals did not follow, in part due to bad bounces, exquisite goalkeeping and stout team defense. An own goal from Italy allowed Russia to get back into the match and build their confidence as it tied the score at 2. The Russians then used power in numbers to score their next goal, from Krash to take their first lead and the period ended with Russia up 3-2.
Russia started the final period off with a bang also, by scoring a great overhead from Peremtitin, and that put the Russians up by a seemingly comfortable 4-2 lead. Krash added to the Azzurri woes and scored his second goal to put Russia up 5-2, with just over seven minutes remaining. Italy was not done yet and Marrucci scored his first of the match to bring the Italians back to within two goals at 5-2. Italy got one back on strike from very far out, to set the score at 5-3 but the final score would not be altered after that and the match ended with Russia up 5-3.
Goals: 0-1: Gori, min.10 (1); 0-2: Gori, min. 5 (1); 1-2: Shishin, min. 11 (2); 2-2: Frainetti (O.G.), min. 4 (2); 3-2: Krash, min. 1 (2); 4-2: Peremitin, min. 9 (3); 5-2: Krash, min. 7 (3); 5-3: Marrucci, min. 7 (3).
FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP 2015 – EUROPE QUALIFIER JESOLO-ITALY
Results Today:
Saturday 13.09.14
09:00 – France 5-4 Poland – Playoff for 13th Place
10:15 – Azerbaijan 6-3 Greece – Playoff for 13th Place
11:30 – Turkey 5-3 Estonia – Playoff for 9th Place
12:45 – Germany 5-2 England – Playoff for 9th Place
14:00 – Hungary 1-4 Belarus – Playoff for 5th Place
15:15 – Ukraine 9-7 Romania – Playoff for 5th Place
16:30 – Switzerland 5-4 (aet) Spain – Semifinal
17:45 – Russia 5-3 Italy – Semifinal
Upcoming Matches:
Sunday 14.09.14
09:00 – Poland vs. Greece – Playoff for 15th Place
10:15 – France vs. Azerbaijan – Playoff for 13th Place
11:30 – Estonia vs. England – Playoff for 11th Place
12:45 – Turkey vs. Germany – Playoff for 9th Place
14:00 – Hungary vs. Romania – Playoff for 7th Place
15:15 – Belarus vs. Ukraine – Playoff for 5th Place
16:30 – Spain vs. Italy – Playoff for 3rd Place
17:45 – Switzerland vs.Russia – Final
