Upsets, goals and top-class beach soccer entertain the crowds in Hungary.
Russia and Ukraine were the victims of early upsets at the Euro Beach Soccer League in Siofok on Friday, while hosts Hungary kicked off with a big win.
Both Russia and Ukraine remain well on course for a spot at the Promotion Final in Catania next month but suffered opening day defeats, with four-time champions Russia going down 2-0 to Belarus.
Goals in the first and third periods from Samsonov and Bryshtel were enough to see off the world’s second ranked side as Marco Octavio’s men produced a disciplined display to thwart Russia.
Goalkeeper Makarevich was also in fine form during a famous victory, with Poland following suit thanks to a battling display against last year’s runners-up.
The Poles fought back from two goals down to draw 3-3 before eventually prevailing 2-0 in a penalty shoot-out.
That second-place finish remains Ukraine’s best effort at the competition and they were on course for victory when Zborovskyi and Glutskyi put them in the driving seat.
However, Baran twice responded before Ziober cancelled out Zborovskyi’s second as Poland displayed their intent to mix it with the big hitters in Division A, Group Two.
After a goalless period of extra time, Gasinski saved from Voitok while Korniichuk missed the target, ensuring Poland claimed a surprise victory to move into second place.
The final game of the day saw hosts Hungary rack up a 9-5 win against Denmark in Division B, Fekete getting the home fans on their feet with a delightful acrobatic strike three minutes in before Simonyi found the bottom right-hand corner with a volley from range.
Raedkjaer’s set-piece kept Denmark in touching distance but Rutai and Sebestyen each found the net for Hungary before the break as did Szentes-Biro while Simonyi’s set-piece rounded the first period’s scoring.
Weise reduced the deficit with a well-taken diving header but Rutai sent momentum back in Hungary’s direction with a calm finish.
Raedkjaer and Ytte converted penalties either side of the second interval but Turos added Hungary’s eighth from a set-piece before Besenyei weighed in with a well-timed overhead kick.
Ytte pulled another back in an entertaining contest, but Hungary deservedly claimed the points to send the home fans away happy.
Euro Beach Soccer League champions Portugal had earlier eased past Romania with a 7-0 victory in Siofok as the holders turned on the style.
Romania – promoted to the top tier last season – were stubborn at times in the early stages and, having fallen 3-0 down, then began to threaten themselves.
However, Madjer ensured himself a brace, along with B. Novo, as Jose Maria in particular shone to help Portugal to the top of Division A, Group One, ahead of Saturday’s clash with second-placed Belarus.
Like Portugal, Italy are also former winners and bolstered their hopes of featuring in the Promotion Final next month after seeing off Germany 5-1 in Division A, Group Two.
Di Palma, Marinai and Gori did much of the damage inside the first period and Germany never truly recovered – Sebastian Ullrich’s men now requiring points from their clashes with Ukraine and Poland to reach Sicily.
Italy are all but sure to be there however, the world’s fourth-ranked side moving to nine points in the overall standings.
The opening match in Siofok saw Azerbaijan move level on points with hosts Hungary in Division B thanks to an impressive 7-2 win against Bulgaria.
Azerbaijan put on a confident display to pick up early points – hat-trick hero Orkhan and the impressive Sabir in particularly good form in the midday sun.
Late goals from Martinov and Adamov failed to inspire a comeback, further denting Bulgaria’s slim Promotion Final prospects.
Friday results
Azerbaijan 7-2 Bulgaria
Italy 5-1 Germany
Russia 0-2 Belarus
Poland (2) 3-3 (0) Ukraine
Romania 0-7 Portugal
Denmark 5-9 Hungary
Saturday fixtures
Azerbaijan v Denmark
Italy v Poland
Russia v Romania
Ukraine v Germany
Portugal v Belarus
Hungary v Bulgaria
