The hosts remain atop the standings in Kyiv despite losing to UAE in the penalty kick shootout of the last game
The maiden Independence Beach Soccer Cup will stay in Kyiv, after the Ukrainian National side managed to end the competition as the top-ranked side in the competition. Despite their defeat in the penalty kick shootout to UAE, no one could parallel the six points clinched by Kostenko’s side.
The fact that the hosts did not allow UAE to take the win on regular time made the big difference, although things were looking really difficult for Ukraine at a certain point. Indeed, the Ukrainian side needed an amazing comeback, brilliantly culminated by captain Oleg Zborovskiy, who sent a stunning bicycle kick straight into the Emirati top corner with just 30 seconds to go.
UAE had built a consistent 4-0 advantage in the game, swiftly commanding things midway into the second period and denying all Ukrainian attempts with brilliant goalkeeping by Bahri. But, at that moment, Kostenko made a crucial tactical modification, introducing Korniichuk as a goalkeeper to begin playing with 5 outfield players.
That was undoubtedly the turning point in the game. Ukraine started creating superiority in all zones of the pitch, thus enjoying more goal chances. Hit by hit, Ukraine would progressively cut the distance to finally equalize things and send the game onto extra time, something that made the hosts the champions of the competition.
The second place was still at stake for UAE, who ended up bagging the last point, which makes them the runners-up in Kyiv, from the penalty kick spot.
Oman storm past Turkey to secure bronze
It took three days to Oman to get their first win in the competition, but once it came, Thalib Hilal’s lads made it big. The Omani did not give Turkey any single chance today, and grasped the third place in this Independence Beach Soccer Cup with an uncontestable 7-0 win.
Abdullah was the key man for the Omani, with three goals in the third period that turned a solid win into a real goal feast for his side. Eid, with a brace, Nooh and Ahmed did also find the Turkish back of the net in an afternoon Aykurt’s men will be willing to forget as soon as possible.
For more information, stats, standings and scorers, go to https://beachsoccer.com/event/independence-beach-soccer-cup-kyiv-2021
