United States, France and Colombia to take on hosts Mexico in October
The confirmation of world and continental champions ensures many of the sport’s best players will compete at the Visit Puerto Vallarta Cup 2017
The United States, France and Colombia, along with hosts Mexico, have been confirmed as the four teams who will contest the Visit Puerto Vallarta Cup 2017, following official confirmation from Beach Soccer Worldwide. The competition will take place in the Predio del IPEJAL in front of the Agustín Flores Contreras Sports Centre in the Mexican city between October 20th and 22nd.
With this announcement, it’s confirmed that the competition will feature teams of the highest order, with Mexico’s continental rivals USA, former world champions France and the emerging talent of Colombia ensuring what will be a top-notch event.
As Puerto Vallarta prepares to return to the international beach soccer circuit with an elite competition, let’s take a closer look at the participating teams.
MEXICO
Undoubtedly one of the kings of beach soccer within the CONCACAF region, Mexico are one of the world’s traditional beach soccer nations. FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup finalists in 2007, the team of Ramón Raya is one of the region’s most talented, boasting four FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances along with an impressive level of tactical discipline and spirit. They are without doubt one of the most dangerous teams to face within the world of beach soccer and will look to show that in Puerto Vallarta.
COLOMBIA
One of CONMEBOL’s emerging nations, Colombia are packed with talent and while they may lack top-level international experience, ‘Los Cafeteros’ make up for that with a battling mentality and strong approach to the game, as well as talented forwards such as Rebellón and Mora and great defenders like Riascos. One thing is guaranteed against Colombia – you never get an easy ride.
USA
Without doubt, one of the biggest rivals for hosts México, thanks to geographical proximity and their meetings on the sand in recent years. The United States are direct rivals with ‘Los Aztecas’ for the title of the continent’s most dominant side, having won three CONCACAF titles in 2006, 2007, 2013 before Mexico regained control in recent years. While Mexico may have the upper hand in the rankings, you can always expect an almighty battle between the hosts and the US whenever they come up against one another.
FRANCE
France have, and will always have, the honour of being the first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup champions. That was in 2005, after they beat Portugal in the final with the help of ex-Manchester United star Eric Cantona. Also champions of the Euro Beach Soccer League on the one occasion and runners-up twice, France can lay claim to having one of the richest traditions within the sport and can continue to count on the evergreen Stepháne François – a true beach soccer legend – as their key man.
The BSWW Tour – Visit Puerto Vallarta Cup 2017 is an official competition that forms part of the international Beach Soccer Worldwide circuit and will count towards the Beach Soccer Worldwide Overall World Rankings. The event is organised for the H. Ayuntamiento de Puerto Vallarta (Gobierno Municipal) through the Dirección de Turismo y COMUDE with the support of the Fideicomiso de Turismo de Puerto Vallarta and the collaboration of Beach Soccer Worldwide, counting also on the backing of the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol and CONCACAF.
