Hungary spoil the party as Italy, Portugal, Russia also reach Euro Beach Soccer Cup semis
There was no early miracle for Serbia as they suffered a difficult first outing in the beach soccer world, the Euro Beach Soccer Cup hosts falling to a 6-0 defeat at against Hungary in Belgrade.
Making their debut appearance on home sand, Serbia were impressive in spells but struggled for an end product against a clinical Hungary side, who will join Italy, Portugal and Russia in the final four.
In front of a vociferous home crowd, Serbia fell behind early as Simonyi rattled in a free-kick before Milivojevic was required to make three good stops to keep the score at 1-0.
Vucicevic struck the woodwork at the other end in an open start that saw Serbia go on to enjoy the better of the first 12 minutes although Berkes produced a moment of magic to lob the Serbian goalkeeper and double the advantage somewhat against the run of play.
A slick move from Hungary saw Berkes extend the lead as the visitors grew into the game before Turos and Szentes-Biro added one each to put Hungary in cruise control.
A stunning second from Turos maintained momentum before a final period that saw Serbia dig in but ultimately fall short, leaving Hungary to prepare for the semi-finals.
Late Krash heroics helps Russia past Ukraine
In the third quarter-final of the day, Krash struck twice in the final period as world number one side Russia saw off Ukraine 3-2 in the quarter-finals of the Euro Beach Soccer Cup.
The pair – both former EBSC champions – produced an entertaining contest and it was Ukraine who led going into the final 12 minutes thanks to two overhead kicks from Korniichuk.
But Krash and Russia showed their quality in the final stages to pull clear of Ukraine and book a place in the semi-finals.
Romanov struck first for Russia with a smart finish following Ostrovskii’s throw although Korniichuk responded in emphatic fashion when he acrobatically angled the equaliser in from a cross out wide as chances remained plentiful.
It was Korniichuk who proved decisive once more as he put Ukraine back on top, producing a similarly powerful and acrobatic effort to send his side in ahead at the break, despite Krash sending a low shot past the post.
The defender would have his goal eventually – beating Hladchenko from a free-kick to level matters and set up a fascinating final seven minutes.
Krash’s second goal, another free-kick that deceived Hladchenko, proved the difference for Russia as Ukraine saw their search for an equaliser falter, Russia leaving it late to demonstrate their quality and progress to the final four.
Portugal end Spanish title defence
World champions Portugal ensured they will feature in the Euro Beach Soccer Cup semis at the expense of holders Spain thanks to a 4-2 win on Friday.
Having fallen behind to Pajon’s opener, the world’s second highest ranked team rallied and moved 4-1 ahead thanks largely to a brace from the impressive Belchior.
R. Dris made life uncomfortable for Portugal in an entertaining, full-blooded contest, but Mario Narciso’s men proved too strong for the Spanish.
In a contest between the competition’s two most successful teams, it took just a minute for Spain to open the scoring with a stunning team move – capped by Pajon.
Portugal grew back into the game and drew level through Jordan’s long-range free-kick before a foul on Belchior allowed the forward to convert past Dona and turn the score on its head.
Jose Maria’s strike maintained Portuguese momentum before the final period while Belchior had his second when he converted a long throw from Andrade.
R. Dris set up a tense finale with a bobbled free-kick but it proved a consolation for the Spanish who fell just short and will look to restore pride this weekend after a difficult quarter-final draw.
Swiss fall short as Italy progress
The first game of the Euro Beach Soccer Cup 2016 saw Italy hold off a fightback from 2005 champions Switzerland to move into the final four of the competition.
The Italians led 3-0 thanks to a brace from Palmacci and a stunning Gori effort only for Misev to pull one back before the final period. Hodel kept Swiss hopes alive but the Azzurri did just enough to claim the competition’s first win.
Gori was among the action early on while Spada was required to keep popular Serbian Stankovic at bay with a fine save in a fast-paced opening.
The pair continued to threaten for either side but it was Palmacci who opened the scoring from range after a mistake from Mo before quickly doubling the advantage soon after with a stunning long-range free-kick.
Gori’s overhead kick extended the lead but Misev’s strike bobbled in the sand and beat Del Mestre to swiftly reduce the arrears with the fightback continuing as Hodel gambled on a loose ball to prod home his side’s second.
Late Swiss pressure followed but Italy claimed a hard-fought win that keeps alive their hopes of a first run to the final.
Friday results
Italy 3-2 Switzerland
Portugal 4-2 Spain
Russia 3-2 Ukraine
Serbia 0-6 Hungary
Saturday fixtures
Ukraine v Spain (Play-off for fifth place) – 14.15
Hungary v Italy (Semi-final) – 15.30
Russia v Portugal (Semi-final) – 16.45
Serbia v Switzerland (Play-off for fifth place) – 18.00
