This year's edition of the competition got started in Saudi Arabia
Four matches took place in the Men’s NEOM Beach Soccer Cup, as nations battled to secure points in the group stages…
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Opening day joy for Japan
Japan win 4-2 against Germany.
The first Men’s match of the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup saw Germany take on Japan on the Saudi Arabian sands in Group A.
It was the Japanese side who got the goalscoring started, as Oba’s acrobatic effort struck the post and made its way into the net after ricocheting off of German goalkeeper, Ebener. The Japanese opener was the only goal in the period, as just one goal separated the teams after 12 minutes had been played.
Little divided the sides in the second period too, as the only goal of the period fell to the Germans through Petry’s free-kick from distance found the net.
Japan secured their first three points of the tournament in their final period of the encounter, finding the back of the net three times in the final phase of play, courtesy of Uesato, Akaguma and Yamada. The German side did find the net once in the period, but it wasn’t enough to overcome their opponents.
A strong start for the Japanese team on the opening day of competition.
UAE edge their way past the Spaniards
UAE defeat Spain 5-4.
A clash between UAE and Spain got Group B proceedings started, as both sides looked to attain all three points in NEOM.
It took the Spanish team just 15 seconds to take the lead, as Oliver broke the deadlock early in the first period. However, UAE brought themselves back on level terms after Ahmed Beshr netted for his nation just over a minute later, leaving the score at 1-1 heading into the first interval.
A ferocious strike from David restored the Spanish advantage in the second period, but Ahmed Beshr’s effort made the scores even, securing his brace in the process. Haitham’s wonder strike found its way into the top-left corner to give UAE the lead for the first time in the tie, but the enjoyment was short lived with Juanmi finding the equaliser late in the period.
Despite Oliver completing his brace in the final phase of play, Abbass’ double saw UAE pull away from their opponents to capture all three points in their first match.
Brilliant Brazil hit double digits
Brazil beat Türkiye 11-2.
To conclude Group B action on the first day of competition in NEOM, Türkiye faced Brazil.
It was a positive start for the Brazilian side in the match as Mauricinho and Brendo both struck in the opening period, giving Brazil a 2-0 against the Turkish team.
Türkiye’s, Efe Lorenzo got the scoring started in the second period of the match, but Brazil fired the ball into the net another five times in the period with goals from Datinha, Rodrigo, Mauricinho, Catarino and Teleco, sending themselves clear of their opponents with one period remaining.
The Brazilian lead was increased by three in the final period, hitting the back of the net four times, before Cem Keskin found a consolation for his team.
England overcome the hosts
England win 4-3 against Saudi Arabia.
England and Saudi Arabia brought Day one to a close, with the nations looking to close the gap on Japan in Group A.
After a goalless opening period, the Englishmen drew first blood in the match as Aaron Clarke fired home 11 seconds into the second period, as he completed his brace minutes 35 seconds later. Majed pulled one back for the Saudi Arabians moments later, but Day restored England’s two-goal advantage late in the period.
Majed’s second goal of match at the start of the final period brought Saudi Arabia within one goal of their opponents, but O’Rourke scored England’s fourth goal. Omar scored for Saudi Arabia with five minutes remaining in the fixture, but their efforts to find the equaliser weren’t successful.
To find out more about the Men’s NEOM Beach Soccer Cup, make sure to visit beachsoccer.com!
WATCH ALL MATCHES LIVE ON BEACHSOCCERTV.COM – SIGN UP HERE!
Results
Group A
Germany 2-4 Japan
England 4-3 Saudi Arabia
Group B
UAE 5-4 Spain
Türkiye 2-11 Brazil
Fixtures – 26th October 2023
Japan vs England
Spain vs Türkiye
Brazil vs UAE
Saudi Arabia vs Germany
