Poland are left with no option, thus confirming the six places for Moscow, while Russia wants to get there at the top of the table
Just one goal made the difference between Portugal and Poland in the opening game of this last stage of the Euro Beach Soccer League. This sole goal, notwithstanding, was fully significant, as it finally and mathematically defines the six teams getting into the Superfinal, shutting its doors for the Polish at the same time. It is absolutely a pity to see Saganowski’s team out of the Muscovite appointment, as they have offered wonderful performances so far in the Continental league, but the current champions were a too hard nut to crack. Good news for Poland are that only two terribly loud defeats would get them into risk of suffering relegation, as their goal average is far better than the Turkish.
Ze Miguel’s team, with six points in their count so far, needed that victory today to forget about any danger of being left out of the fight to defend their title. Madjer showed up rather soon in the game, with the opener putting Portugal ahead. It was not until the last minute of this first period that Portugal began playing their role as a truly uncomfortable play, and leveled the score for the first time. The Portuguese side tried to set their hierarchy clearer after the break, with two goals by Madjer and Belchior, but again the cheeky Polish equalized things before the horn.
Two goals had not been enough for the Iberians to stay ahead, but when Belchior and Bruno managed a three goal gap in the first two minutes of the last stage, the match seemed almost decided. Anyway, Poland started a new climbing and got to the 5-6 with 6 minutes to go. There was room for anything to happen, but current champions blocked any new attempt to secure their place in the Superfinal, and, at the same time, confirm Spain’s, Romania’s, Russia’s and Italy’s berths as well.
Goals: 0-1: Madjer, min. 10 (1); 1-1: Saganowski, min. 0 (1); 1-2: Belchior, min. 7 (2); 1-3: Madjer, min. 4 (2); 2-3: Ziober, min. 2 (2); 3-3: Gorecki, min. 0 (2); 3-4: Belchior, min. 11 (3); 3-5: Bruno, min. 11 (3); 3-6: Belchior, min. 10 (3); 4-6: Stasiak, min. 10 (3); 5-6: Saganowski, min. 6 (3).
Russia knocks Spain heavily down to top the continental ranking
Russia would not miss the chance of getting to the Euro Beach Soccer Superfinal they are hosting as the best ranked team in the current season. After their loud victory over Spain today, Likhachev’s side leads the 2011 table over Switzerland, and depending on their results tomorrow and on Sunday in this last stage of the regular season held in The Hague, they will get back home with as the leaders in Europe. Just as if they were not fearful enough…
Although Aceiton leveled first advantage by Krasheninnikov and Jorge managed to have Spain close in the score with the 3-2, Russia definitely took off by mid second period. At that moment, and beginning with a wonderful volley by captain Leonov, the Russians built a strong and solid advantage Spain would never again be able to contest. One time and another, Likhachev’s side punished and punished the Spaniards nets, to end the game in a loud 9-3 that gets them both on top of the group in The Hague and the Overall season standings.
For these figures to be fully meaningful, though, Russia will need to get the Euro Beach Soccer League 2011 stay at home next weekend…
Goals: 1-0: Krasheninnikov, min. 1 (1); 1-1: Aceiton, min. 1 (1); 2-1: Shishin, min. 0 (1); 3-1: Shkarin, min. 10 (2); 3-2: Jorge, min. 4 (2); 4-2: Leonv, min. 4 (2); 5-2: Shishin, min. 1 (2); 6-2: Shkarin, min. 10 (3); 6-3: Nico, min. 10 (3); 7-3: Eremeev, min. 4 (3); 8-3: Shaykov, min. 2 (3); 9-3: Eremeev, min. 0 (3).
Greece voices options to the Promotion Final
Greece led a solid victory over England in their opening Division B game of this Euro Beach Soccer League – The Hague to place themselves in a good position to attempt a ticket for the Promotion Final. To do so, they will need a victory over the Netherlands tomorrow, and this is not an easy mission, regarding the quality of the Orange and the backing they will get from the stands as playing at home.
It was already too late when England realized that, in Beach Soccer, a positive attitude and offensive enthusiasm can get things done. When the English team managed to reach the back of the Greek net, they already were 0-3 down, thanks to the fantastic efforts by Paris and Triantafillidis. Although being able to cut that distance up to the 2-3, Greece had the game under control at that point, and Kavalaris and Komiotos banned any English option with the 2-5.
Goals: 0-1: Triantafillidis, min. 6 (1); 0-2: Paris, min. 11 (3); 0-3 : Triantafillidis, min. 11 (3) ; 1-3 : Black, min. 9 (3); 2-3: Funnell, min. 8 (3); 2-4: Kavalaris, min. 3 (3); 2-5: Komiotis, min.3 (3)
EURO BEACH SOCCER LEAGUE – THE HAGUE 2011
Game results:
Friday, July 29th
Poland 5 – 6 Portugal
Russia 9 – 3 Spain
England 2 – 5 Greece
Matches for tomorrow:
Saturday, July 30th:
15.45h: Netherland vs. Greece
17.00h: Russia vs. Poland
18.15h: Portugal Spain
