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Portugal leaves Hungary as the best team in overall EBSL standings, as Turkey bags the cup in Division B and England earn last Promotion Final spot
Ukraine moves up to 5th in Superfinal standings
The 4-3 win for Ukraine over Germany was a thriller that saw another near comeback from Germany, but which ended up making the Ukrainians champions of this Euro Beach Soccer League Siófok. Ukraine jumped out to the early lead and did just enough to hold off the Mannschaft. Ukraine finished the EBSL season very strong and went from being on the outside looking in for the Superfinal in Torredembarra to moving into 5th place. Germany needed only a win this past weekend to secure their booking for the postseason tournament, and they earned it on Saturday in a magnificent match against Italy, Germany finishes in 8th place after the regular season standings.
Ukraine and Germany had both earned spots in the Superfinal however their final seeds were unknown and the opening minutes saw Ukraine take control of the game but were not able to initially find the back of the net. The Germans were on their heels early and Ukraine netted the first goal of the match from their star Budzko to go up 1-0. The Blue and Yellows doubled their lead only a few minutes later and looked to take the two goal advantage into the break, however, Weirauch of Germany scored a beauty of a goal in the final minutes to cut the lead to 2-1, which is how the period would end. Ukraine did not let their energy diminish but the Germans picked up their speed and looked poised to score again but going into the final minutes of the middle frame neither squad had netted a goal. Ukraine wanted to make sure they did not let their early lead evaporate and scored a last minute goal to restore their two goal lead, 3-1, heading into the final period.
Division A teams know never to count out Germany and as they had displayed earlier this weekend, they saw a deficit and took advantage, scoring just as the final period started. The Ukrainians were not happy with letting in the early goal, so they decided to score on the restart to make the score 4-3, Ukraine. Relishing the chance to mount another comeback, Thürk of Germany scored less than a minute later to get his team back within one goal. The scoring slowed down a bit and going into the final minutes Ukraine held onto their slim 4-3 lead. The lead was safe enough as the Ukrainians finished the game up by the same score, 4-3, thus claiming the cup in this last regular phase stage.
Goals: 0-1: Budzko, min. 8 (1); 0-2: Butko, min. 5 (1); 1-2: Weirauch, min 2 (1); 1-3: Budzko, min. 0 (2); 2-3: Biermann, min. 11 (3); 2-4: Andrieiev, min. 11 (3); 3-4: Thurk, min. 10 (3).
Portugal capture last point at stake from the penalty spot
The 5(3)-5(2) penalties win for Portugal over Italy was an amazing match between two of the world’s best and likely favourites to take home the European crown in Torredembarra next weekend. The match could have gone either way, and at many points in the match the pendulum of momentum could have been swayed permanently, however both teams fought back to extend the game for as long as they could. Italy went up early then had to fight back and forth throughout, with both sides taking the lead and giving it up more than once. The win gives Portugal the top overall seed for the Superfinal and the loss leaves Italy as the fourth seed in that tournament. Portugal finished the weekend as the runner-up in the Division A matches, while Italy finished third, ahead of Germany.
Italy and Portugal were both still reeling from the first losses of the EBSL season and the opening minutes were played very tentatively with neither side taking many chances or capitalizing on the opportunities. All of that changed when Italy scored on a great direct kick from just outside of the penalty area to put the Azzurri up 1-0, near the halfway mark of the period. The speed increased, as did the chances, and the uptempo pace favored Portugal, who slotted home their first goal with under two minutes left to level the score at 1 heading into the first break. The middle frame began very quickly with a first minute penalty kick goal from Italy but less than a minute after that, the Portuguese scored two of their own to take their first lead of the match at 3-2. The frantic opening minutes ended and the goalkeepers were then asked to keep the game close for their respective teams and things remained the same until the final minute when Italy scored on another penalty kick to tie the game at 3. Portugal then walloped a shot towards goal, which hit the back of the net to give them their one goal lead back, heading into the final period.
Beautiful bicycles and amazing shots shamefully went unfulfilled as the score stayed the same for most of the early minutes in the deciding period. Gori netted his second goal of the match on a direct kick that tied the match again, this time at 4. Heading into the final minutes, the score had not changed, though Portugal were continually knocking at the door. Both teams finished the match playing at a million miles a minute, with neither team wanting to see extra time. When the final buzzer did sound, the score remained tied at four and went into overtime. It only took a minute into overtime for Portugal to utilize spectacular passing and touch to crush the Italian’s hopes. The azzurri did not let the overtime goal deter them and they found late minute magic as well to tie the game at 5 and go into penalties.
From the nine meters distance, Narciso’s lads proved better aimed, as they did not miss a single of their attempts to seal the win, and earn their 13th point of the season. One which makes them get to the Superfinal as the best team in the regular season.
Goals: 0-1: Ramacciotti, min. 7 (1); 1-1: Jordan, min. 1 (1); 1-2: Marinai, min. 11 (2); 2-2: Torres, min. 10 (2); 3-2: Jordan, min. 10 (2); 3-3: Gori, min. 0 (2); 4-3: B. Novo, min. 0 (2); 4-4: Gori, min. 8 (3); 5-4: Torres, min. 2 (et); 5-5: Ramacciotti, min. 1 (et).
Penalties: Marinai: goal; Alan: goal; Gori: goal; Madjer: goal; Corosiniti: saved; Jordan: goal.
Bulgaria books ticket to Torredembarra
The 4-3 win for Bulgaria over Norway was just as close as the scoreboard showed. Norway took the early lead but Bulgaria took control in the second period and staved off a very late and dramatic comeback and heroically saved a last second penalty kick to earn the victory. The three points that come with their win secure Bulgaria a spot in the Promotion Final. Norway earned one win over the weekend and are still alive for the Promotion Final as the best 3rd place team, though it will not be determined until all of the Division B teams finish their matches.
Opening the match with a sound defensive game plan was the objective for both teams as they did not want to fall behind early. The offenses took a back seat until Norway hit a precise header to take the early lead and at that point, the field seemed to open up and the attacks began flying. The pace was breakneck as the period came to a close and Bulgaria netted their first goal with under a minute left to tie the game at 1 going into the first break. The onus fell back onto Norway as a few minutes into the middle frame Filipov scored his second goal of the day to put The Lions up 2-1, for their first lead of the match. Near the midway point of the match, Bulgaria really put even more pressure on the Vikings when they added another goal to go up 3-1, which is how the period ended.
Bulgaria was denied a golden opportunity to add to their lead as the middle frame ended and the swing of fortune gave Norway an extra spark of energy in the opening minutes of the final period. Salveson scored his second goal of the match to get his Norwegian side back to within one goal at 3-2. The urgency grew for Norway and they spent much of the final period on the attacking end but going into the middle of the period they were unable to secure the equaliser. The Bulgarians did not let Norway rattle them and they restored their two goal lead with a threaded shot that went through the defense like a needle. Norway, true to form all weekend, played better in the final frame and got a goal back from a corner that put the score at 4-3 heading into the final minutes. Bulgaria was lucky to have the goalposts deflect many shots and keep the score at 4-3. With one second left, possibly less, as the buzzer had sounded, Norway was awarded a penalty kick which was dramatically saved to secure the 4-3 win for Bulgaria.
Goals: 0-1: Salveson, min. 7 (1); 1-1: Filipov, min. 0 (1); 2-1: Filipov, min. 8 (2); 3-1: G. Filipov, min. 6 (2); 3-2: Salveson, min. 11 (3); 4-2: Martinov, min. 6 (3); 4-3: Kandal, min. 5 (3).
Turkey secures vital top spot in group
Turkey’s 3-0 win over Austria was hard-fought and showed how great a defensive team they can be. All weekend the Turkish side has been scoring goals while allowing some but today was a display of their all-around high quality play. Group 2 is finalized with Turkey on top, Bulgaria second, Norway finishing third, and Austria rounding out the four. Austria was unable to get a win over the weekend though every one of their matches was tightly contested. Turkey and Bulgaria earned the right to represent Division B in Torredembarra next weekend. The winner of the Division B Promotion Final will move up to Division A in 2015 and will also play in the first ever European Olympic Games in Baku in 2015.
Austria had everything to play for in their final match and their intensity was proof that they knew it. Turkey had already qualified as first in Division B Group 2 however they were not ready to relinquish anything to The Wunderteam as both teams safely protected their own nets but did not find their offensive grooves. The first period buzzer sounded with both teams tied at 0, setting the stage for more late game dramatics. The Crescent-Stars were very interested in scoring and securing a win, however they were stopped multiple times by the crossbar and despite dominating possession, they were unable to break the tie. Austria was employing a very sound defensive strategy and were taking very calculated offensive attacks but the middle frame ended as the game had begun, in a 0-0 tie.
Baris of Turkey used a wonderful bicycle kick to break the deadlock in the opening seconds of the final period and put his side up 1-0. The Turkish star hit again a few minutes later when he slotted home another beautiful shot to double the lead at 2-0. Austria squandered a golden opportunity to get back into the match when they were awarded a late penalty kick but the shot did not find the back of the net and Turkey was happy to control the ball and wear down the Austrian side. The tactic worked and the final whistle sounded with Turkey up 3-0.
Goals: 0-1: Baris, min. 11 (3); 0-2: Baris, min. 5 (3); 0-3: Cem, min. 1 (3).
England triumphantly earns last Promotion Final spot
The English 8-2 win over Andorra was more dramatic than the score indicates due to the postseason implications. Both teams were in need of a regular time victory for the three points, and they needed to overcome a big goal differential to win the tiebreaker. England began rapidly, having felt like they had yet to play up to their potential this weekend, and scored three times in the span of a minute and rode that momentum to victory. This was the first victory for the English squad this weekend. Andorra was unable to get a win in Siófok despite their feisty play, and they will begin focus on the next Euro Beach Soccer League season
The two familiar rivals knew coming into the match that needed to win and win big in hopes of securing the last spot in the Promotion Final. The English started the match with some great chances and were taking many quality shots. The breakthrough came when Day scored on a great scissor kick to put his side up 1-0. Not more than a minute later, England added two more amazing goals, one a long distance shot that put The Three Lions up 3-0 at the midway point in the first period. The pace slowed as the defenses figured each other out and the period ended with England up 3-0. Day scored his third goal of the day after a brilliant and tough individual run from Evans to put the English up 4-0 and propel them into the Promotion Final as the best third team in Division B. The English ballooned their lead to six when Andorra struck to make things interesting. The good times did not stop there for England, however, as they added a late goal, the 4th for Day, to put the game nearly out of reach for Andorra and the period ended with England up 7-1.
The British knew they could not rest on their laurels and pushed the tempo in hopes of adding to their lead and making sure they did not let their lead diminish. Neither side was able to score in the opening minutes of the final frame and that was fine for The Three Lions as long as they maintained at least a four goal advantage. Physical play began to dictate the final period, with both teams showing their heart and grit with the first goal of the period coming from England just over halfway through the period. Andorra, content with playing spoiler, added a late goal to make the final few moments more nerve-wracking for the English. Neither side was able to score again though and the match ended with the English securing the much needed six goal margin of victory at 8-2.
Goals: 1-0: Day, min. 7 (1); 2-0: Day, min. 6 (1); 3-0: Evans, min. 6 (1); 4-0: Day, min. 11 (2); 5-0: Lawson, min. 7 (2); 6-0: Evans, min. 3 (2); 6-1: Rubio, min. 3 (2); 7-1: Day, min. 1 (2); 8-1: Clarke, min. 5 (3); 8-2: Ludovic, min. 3 (3);
Penalties win gives Hungary group lead
The 5(6)-5(5) penalties win for Hungary over the Czech Republic was back-and-forth with both teams taking the lead and relinquishing it, then getting back into the match. The hosts scored first but no lead was safe or secure as overtime and then penalty kicks were needed to crown a group champion. In the end, the penalty kicks were tit for tat also, as both teams missed late kicks that could have sealed the game earlier. The win gives Hungary the group title, however, Turkey wins the entire Division B stage, with three wins and nine points. The Czech Republic already earned their place in the Promotion Final in Torredembarra next weekend. Hungary and the Czech Repubic, along with best third place qualifier, England, will all compete for a chance to play in Division A and the first European Olympic Games in 2015 in Baku.
Hungary wanted to begin the game just as they did yesterday against England, when they quickly ran to a 5-0 lead but the Czechs had something different to say. The first minutes of the frame were scoreless though the Czech Republic was the more energetic team, however Hungary stunned the Czechs with a long range grounder that hit the back of the net to put the hosts up 1-0. The Hungarian lead did not last long as Chalupa tied the game with a surgical direct kick soon after the midway point of the period. The scoring slowed, despite many close calls, but the Czechs took their first lead of the match on a last second goal to go ahead 2-1 at the first break. The scoring picked up once again and the Magyar leveled things early in the middle frame, although the Czech Republic replied with a goal of their own to take their second lead to the match. The Hungarians did not take long to tie the game again and then take their second lead of the game at 4-3, which is how the second period would end.
Hungary used their solid middle period to spur an eventful opening to the period that saw them score and add to their lead. Just as the Hungarians looked to take over the match, the Czechs scored to change the momentum and get to within one goal at 5-4. The comeback did not stop there as Bocek scored his 7th goal of weekend to knot the score at 5, going into the final seconds. Drama was the theme of the last minutes and seconds with both teams needed reflexive saves to keep the score and the match finished with no other goals as regular time could not separate these teams to determine a winner. Halfway through overtime neither team found any really offensive rhythm and the match headed into all-important penalty kicks.
Goals: 1-0: Berkes, min. 6 (1); 1-1: Chalupa, min. 5 (1); 1-2: Kubice, min. 0 (1); 2-2: Fekete, min. 10 (2); 2-3: Vyhnal, min. 7 (2); 3-3: Jaksa, min. 5 (2); 4-3: Turos, min. 4 (2); 5-3: Simonyi, min. 11 (3); 5-4: Chalupa, min. 9 (3); 5-5: Bocek, min. 2 (3).
Penalties: Fekete: goal; Kubice: goal; Ábel: goal; Bocek: goal; Sebestyen: goal; Chalupa: goal; Simonyi: goal; Hurab: goal; Ughy: goal; Mizar: goal; Turos: miss; Radosta: miss; Jaksr: goal; Mandik: miss.
EURO BEACH SOCCER LEAGUE SIÓFOK 2014
Fri 08.08.14
14:45 – Turkey 5-1 Bulgaria (Division B – Group 2)
16:00 – Andorra 1-4 Hungary (Division B – Group 1)
17:15 – Norway 4-3 Austria (Division B – Group 2)
18:30 – Czech Republic 7-3 England (Division B – Group 1)
19:45 – Italy 6-5 (aet) Ukraine (Division A)
21:00 – Germany 2-5 Portugal (Division A)
Sat 09.08.14
14:45 – Turkey 6-4 Norway (Division B – Group 2)
16:00 – Austria 6-8 Bulgaria (Division B – Group 2)
17:15 – Czech Republic 7-2 Andorra (Division B – Group 1)
18:30 – Italy 7(1)-7(3). Germany (Division A)
19:45 – Hungary 7-6 England (Division B – Group 1)
21:00 – Portugal 3-4 Ukraine (Division A)
Sun 10.08.14
12:45 – Bulgaria 4-3 Norway (Division B – Group 2)
14:00 – Austria 0-3 Turkey (Division B – Group 2)
15:15 – England 8-2 Andorra (Division B – Group 1)
16:30 – Germany 3-4 Ukraine (Division A)
17:45 – Hungary 5(6)-5(5) Czech Republic (Division B – Group 1)
19:00 – Portugal 5(3)-5(2) Italy (Division A)
Final Standings:
Division A
Winner: Ukraine
Runner-up: Portugal
Division B Group 1
Winner: Hungary
Runner-up: Czech Republic
Division B Group 2
Winner: Turkey
Runner-up: Bulgaria
Individual Awards:
Best Goalkeeper: Spada (Italy)
Top-Scorer: Gori (Italy)
MVP: Pachev (Ukraine)
