Ukraine are back!

Bozhenko’s lads clinch the maiden BSWW Kiev Cup 2012 with that stunning image which made them Europe Qualifier champions

Ukraine finally kept the trophy at home after a brilliant match against European Cup runner-ups Portugal, in the closing game of the Beach Soccer Worldwide Kiev Cup 2012. The hosts offered again their best version, that which brought them to the highest place in the last FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup European Qualifier, back in July 2010, thus forgetting a bitter and shady 2011.

Ukraine, then, was Ukraine again. There was no other way round for Bozhenko’s team if they wanted to have any chance to the cup in front of a terrifically-talented squad such as the Portuguese. Zborovskiy, awarded as the tournament’s MVP, was as key as everyone expected and scored a key goal that smashed the Lusitanian expectations of coming back a score which had brought them two goals down.

Belchior’s double was not enough for Ze Miguel’s side today, as they faced a fierce opposition by the hosts. Not even getting ahead in the score, and maintaining the advantage for more than one period tamed the Ukrainian ambition, loudly voiced during the second period, in which Riabchuk, Pachev and Korniychuk got things 3-1 for the hosts. Belchior replied, but Zborovsky immediately silenced the Portuguese cheers, striking them a severe moral hit. The efficient Ukraine defensive system, and the excellent performance by goalkeeper Sydorenko, completed the formula that lead, in that remaining minutes, to an uncontestable Ukrainian triumph in this maiden edition of the BSWW Kiev Cup 2012.

Goals:  0-1: Belchior, min. 2 (1); 1-1: Riabchuk, min. 3 (2); 2-1: Pachev, min. 10 (2); 3-1: Korniychuk, min. 10 (2); 3-2: Belchior, min. 1 (3); 4-2: Zborovskiy, min. 1 (3);

Italy bags last 2 points against Netherlands

The match facing Italy and Netherlands was a further instance on how the Kiev showdown became one of the most leveled tournaments of the last years. Again, an extra time was needed to decide who took the last points at stake, and it was the Azzurri side the one to do so, thanks to Palmacci’s last hit. Figures were not fair with Netherlands, though, as the 0 points of their records do not reflect their competitive performances and the good image they left at the Hydropark Stadium.

Indeed, the Orange were the ones to hit first, and, again, through target man Leo Koswal. The powerful forward needed just a few seconds after kick-off to get his team ahead in the score, something they have managed to do several times during this BSWW Kiev Cup 2012. Kokmeijer’s side have been also specializing in locking their goal during rather long periods after their goals, letting again Italy few chances after the opener. But the Italian reply ended up arriving, with Corosiniti equalizing things back, and at the beginning of the second period.

Again after the Transalpine hit, the score remained untouched for the whole period, until Palmacci got Esposito’s side in command right at the beginning of the third leg. Clock ticked down towards the final whistle, and the Azzurri began thinking on what result they needed to have on the Ukraine-Portugal to see themselves on top of the podium. But the Netherlands have not had their last say, and Van Gessel sent the game into extra time with the 2-2 with just two minutes to go for the final whistle. That hit almost finished the Italian chances to the title, as, although Palmacci got them the 2 points at stake, whatever result but a draw in the match between Ukrainians and Portugueses would have them out of the road. And that was just what happened, with Ukraine bending Portugal and coonsigning Italy to the third place in this thrilling BSWW Kiev Cup.  

Goals: 0-1: Koswal, min. 1 (1); 1-1: Corosiniti, min. 2 (2); 2-1: Palmacci, min. 1 (3); 2-2: Van Gessel, min. 9 (3); 3-2: Palmacci, min. 2 (et)

BSWW KIEV CUP 2012

Final standings:

1-Ukraine (6 points,+3)
2-Portugal(5 points,0)
3-Italy (5 points,+1)  
4-Netherlands (0 points,-4)

Individual awards:

MVP: Zborovskiy (UKR)
Top Scorer: Palmacci (ITA)
Best goalkeeper: Graça (POR)

Results:

Friday, May 25th
18:00 – Portugal 7-6 Italy
19:30 – Ukraine 4-2 Netherlands

Saturday, May 26th
18:30 – Portugal 5-4(et) Netherlands
20:00 – Ukraine 3-4 Italy

Sunday, May 27th
14:00 – Italy 3-2(et) Netherlands
15:30 – Ukraine 4-2 Portugal