Uruguay and Brazil secure World Cup berth

Brazil and Uruguay became the first teams from the CONMEBOL region to qualify for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, following their wins today at the semi-finals of the Eliminatorias CONMEBOL al Mundial de Fútbol Playa. Both sides will square off tomorrow for the South-American crown, currently in the hands of the Verdeamarela.

Uruguay was the first to seal their ticket to Russia, thanks to a breath-taking win over Paraguay at Rio de Janeiro’s Parque Olímpico. Only one goal during the first two periods, in favor of Uruguay, did not seem to anticipate what was going to happen in the last stage, in which both sides started exchanging strokes to bring on an amazing beach soccer battle.

In those dramatic 12 minutes, Nico Bella swept Uruguay 2-0 ahead, only to see the Guaraní side counteract with an amazing 3-0 run in just two minutes to turn score around and command the game 3-2 with just 4 minutes to go.

But the Charrúa did not give up and came from behind, all breed, with Gastón Laduche’s brace meaning the go-through almost over the hooter.

With this win, Uruguay secure their seventh FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup participation, and will now fight Brazil for the continental throne.

The defending CONMEBOL champions, in turn, needed to counteract Colombia’s early opener in the second semi-final, to cruise to the final of the Eliminatorias CONMEBOL al Mundial de Fútbol Playa 2021. Despite the early fright by Perea and the fierce resistance by the Cafeteros during the first leg, the Verdeamarela showed their usual prowess and turned things around at the beginning of the middle frame.

Despite their tight advantage, Gilberto’s side kept things under control for the remainder of the game, with Alisson doubling the gap to give his team a comfortable lead in the last period.

With the final whistle, Brazil confirmed they will be in their 11th FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup (They have never missed one), and their right to defend the South American crown in the final tomorrow.

Paraguay and Colombia to vie for last chance

The semi-finals were not the end of the road for Paraguay and Colombia. Both sides, despite missing their first opportunity today, will square off tomorrow for the last FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup berth at stake.