Mario Narciso’s world champions eventually usurp rivals Russia to move first.
Recently-crowned Euro Beach Soccer Cup champions Portugal have finally claimed top spot in the BSWW Overall World Rankings for June.
Mario Narciso’s side have long been in pursuit of Russia, who had been top dogs since the rankings began in July 2012, and the new figures for June show Portugal as the world’s number one side.
The world champions beat Russia on penalties in Belgrade en route to the final where Italy were edged out as Madjer and co deservedly claimed the title for a seventh time.
Russia were forced to settle for third in Serbia and they slip to second overall while runners-up Italy jump above Brazil into third, having lost out 6-3 to the Portuguese.
The remainder of the top 10 is unchanged while Serbia’s first ranked position is 60.
The Euro Beach Soccer Cup hosts made their first competitive appearance on home sand last month – turning in some spirited displays en route to an eighth-placed finish – before picking up their first win against Kazakhstan in the Euro Beach Soccer League in Moscow last weekend.
The Moscow leg and this week’s EBSL stage in Sanxenxo are sure to impact on July’s rankings, as will the BSWW Mundialito in Cascais at the end of the month.
Keep track of all the movements in the BSWW rankings via www.beachsoccer.com.
