Recap the action from a thrilling first day in Nassau, Bahamas!
The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017 got underway on Thursday, with Iran, Senegal, Italy and Switzerland claiming opening-day victories.
Iran edge Mexico in opener
Iran defeated Mexico 3-2 in the first game of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017.
Iran goalkeeper Peyman Hosseini scored the first goal of the tournament and made a crucial save at the end of the match to give the Asian champions all three points in the Group B opening match in Nassau on 27 April 2017.
Impressive Senegal overwhelm Ecuador
Senegal thrashed tournament debutants Ecuador 9-0 in the opening match in Group A at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017, led by a hat-trick from Hamidou Barry.
Making their sixth tournament appearance, Senegal dominated the match from kick-off and jumped into a 3-0 lead after the first interval.
The African champions are looking to advance past the quarter-finals for the first time in the competition after finishing as quarter-finalists in 2007 and 2011.
After this display, they will have the confidence needed to try and make history in the Bahamas.
Gori scores six as Italy thump Nigeria
Italy turned on the style to defeat Nigeria 12-6 in their opening Group B match at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017.
Gabriele Gori followed his impressive scoring exploits in European qualifying with six goals against the West Africans in Nassau on Thursday.
Paolo Palmacci contributed to the victory with a hat-trick, including two bicycle kick goals. Though Azeez Abu scored a hat-trick for the Nigerians, they were no match for the firepower of the Italians in this curtain raiser for both nations.
Swiss spoil the party for hosts Bahamas
Switzerland got two goals from Glenn Hodel to defeat hosts Bahamas 3-2 in their opening Group A match at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017.
Hodel’s second goal – an overhead finish early in the third period – was the match winner and spoiled the party for the home side, who were making their debut at beach soccer’s showpiece event.
The Bahamians got off to a flying start, as Lesly St Fleur scored just seconds into the contest. However, a Noel Ott equaliser set up Hodel to score his decisive brace for the Swiss, despite a late reply from Gavin Christie for the home side.
Via FIFA.com
Thursday results
Iran 3-2 Mexico
Ecuador 0-9 Senegal
Nigeria 6-12 Italy
Bahamas 2-3 Switzerland
Friday fixtures
15:30 – Japan v Poland
17:00 – Portugal v Panama
18:30 – Brazil v Tahiti
20:00 – UAE v Paraguay
