Uruguay seal title with win over Chile

A brace by Bella Nicolas was enough to clinch the top spot for Uruguay on day three as hosts fail to pick up points

The final day of the Goalfun CFA China-Latin America Beach Soccer Championship in Tangshan saw Uruguay seal the competition title and dominate the individual awards.

The Uruguayan number five, Gaston Laduche picked up the award for the competition’s Best Player, while countryman Gustavo Martín Sebe won the award for Best Goalkeeper. 

The Mexican Ramon Maldonado won the Top Scorer trophy with eight goals whilst the Best Referee went to Shao Liang.

Chile v Uruguay 

The first game on day three got underway earlier than scheduled due to a hurricane threat, as Chile attempted to bag another win against a seemingly unstoppable Uruguayan team.

The first period ended in stalemate with neither side able to find the net. But it only took seconds for Miguel Aguirre’s team to take the lead in the second period and, although Chile managed to pull one back, Bella Nicolas scored a brace to widen the gap.

A final goal from Marcelo put the game to bed in the last period and the uncatchable Uruguayans ended a perfect campaign on nine points.

China v Mexico   

With hopes of finishing on top long gone, China were denied a final day victory by a very strong Mexican side who managed to score no less than 11 goals against their hosts.

The first period only saw one goal and gave little away as the how the game would ultimately end, as just a Maldonado goal separated the teams.

But it was in the second period that the floodgates opened. China were able to net once, but they were unable to contain the clinical finishing of Ramon Raya’s men. By the end of the second period Mexico were enjoying a 1-6 lead, with Vizcarra and Maldonado both scoring braces.

The final period was more of the same; another consolation goal for China, while Maldonado took his personal tally to four in this game and eight overall, sealing the Top Scorer award.

It just remains to thank the hosts for putting on such an awesome beach soccer spectacle and congratulations to Uruguay!  

Remember that you can follow all the action, including fixtures, results and standings, on the Beach Soccer Worldwide website.