The host of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2019 launches a brand-new Súper Liga
Something big is happening in Paraguay. The country that is set to host the 2019 edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup has made giants steps in developing the sport, and forming La Súper Liga de Fútbol Playa.
The competition is already underway and consists of eight stages, the first of which came to a close this Sunday (2nd December). The second stage will begin tomorrow (Thursday 6th December).
The Súper Liga consists of 16 club sides, battling it out on the sand over the eight stages. Ten of the teams are based in the Paraguayan capital, Asunción, while the remaining six come from various other parts of the country.
In the league’s first ever edition, all eyes will be on the nation’s most successful clubs, such as Cerro Porteño, as well as Olimpia who won the first stage…
President of the Beach Soccer Division, Ricardo Torres, has received much praise in helping the Pynandi reach seventh place in the BSWW world ranking, as well as bringing the 2019 World Cup to Paraguay.
The national team coach, Gustavo Zloccowick, was nominated for the second year running, as one of the best in the world, as were two of his players, Pedro Morán and Carlos Carballo.
Paraguay is also leading the charge in terms of the development of the next generation of beach soccer athletes, with around 50% of the players taking part in this ground-breaking tournament being under the age of 20.
Olimpia win the first ever stage of the Súper Liga
Olimpia managed four historic victories in the first ever stage of the new Súper Liga, taking 12 points. They were assisted by their star player, Pedro Morán, who scored seven goals and was awarded the MVP trophy.
The Best Goalkeeper was presented to Carlos Quiñónez from Deportivo Mariano Roque Alonso, and, with an impressive 12 goals, the Top Scorer went to Ariel Bonifacio of Roa de San Bernardino FC.
There were also cash prizes to be claimed for the top teams, as Olimpia took home 500 dollars, runners-up Mariano Roque Alonso received 300, third-place finishers, San Bernardino got 200 and Sajonia were given 100 dollars for finishing fourth.
FINISHING POSITIONS
1- Olimpia (12pts)
2- Mariano Roque Alonso (7pts)
3- San Bernardino FC (9pts)
4- Deportivo Sajonia (4pts)
5- Cerro Porteño (3pts)
6- Rubio Ñu (3pts)
7- Deportivo Luque (3pts)
8- Universidad San Carlos (3pts)
9- Garden Club (1pt)
10- Sportivo Luqueño (0pts)
11- Mbiguá (0pts)
12- Guaireña (0pts)
TOP SCORERS
Ariel Roa (San Bernardino FC) 12
Pedro Morán (Olimpia) 7
Rodrigo Figueredo (Deportivo Sajonia) 7
Ricardo Carballo (San Bernardino FC) 6
Sergio Díaz (San Bernardino FC) 5
Víctor Ortellado (Mariano Roque Alonso) 5
