Azerbaijan spring a surprise in Warnemünde

Ukraine were also winners in Division A while England and Romania lead the way in the second tier.

Azerbaijan and Ukraine pulled clear in Division A on day one of the Warnemunde stage of the Euro Beach Soccer League while, in the second tier, there were wins for England and Romania.

A Maksym Voitok brace was the difference for Ukraine as they beat Italy 3-2 to boost their chances of making the Superfinal in Terracina next month.

Voitok scored twice in the final frame as Ukraine moved joint top of a fledgling group in Warnemünde, leaving Italy – ensured a place at the Superfinal as hosts – with work to do if they are to lift the title this weekend.

Azerbaijan earlier ensured themselves a place in next year’s Euro Beach Soccer League Division A by upsetting hosts Germany in Warnemünde with a 3-0 win.

The Azeri – promoted last year – condemned Greece to take part in the Promotion Final this time around as Orkhan Mammadov, Sabir Allahguliyev and Amid Nazarov wrapped up a clinical win.

England got their Euro Beach Soccer League campaign up and running with a 9-4 win against Division B opponents Lithuania.

Carl Dixon’s men move to three points along with Romania in the second tier with Aaron Clarke’s five-goal haul helping to bolster England’s hopes of earning a place at the Promotion Final.

Romania also made a winning start to the fifth and final normal stage in Germany as they overcame the Netherlands 8-4 in a thrilling contest.

Both sides remain in with a chance of reaching the Promotion Final in September but it was Romania who picked up early points as four goals from Ionut Florea ensured victory.

 

Friday results

14:45 – Romania 8-4 Netherlands

16:00 – Germany 0-3 Azerbaijan

17:15 – Ukraine 3-2 Italy

18:30 – Lithuania 4-9 England

Saturday fixtures

13:30 – Romania v Lithuania

14:45 – England v Netherlands

16:00 – Ukraine v Germany

17:15 – Italy v Azerbaijan

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