The Beach Soccer Stars 2014, a moment to be remembered, crowns the sport’s top talent in an emotional ceremony in Dubai
The night of the 7th of November will be remembered for a long time. The first ever Beach Soccer Stars became an emotional and exciting ceremony in which all the players, coaches and professionals of beach soccer were represented. The magic and talent around the Dubai International Marine Club was just unbelievable. The night was a memorable one for everyone as the venue was a beautiful outdoor facility at the Dubai marina with the backdrop being the eye-popping skyline. Players, coaches, and officials all gathered for the spectacle and the atmosphere was incredible. The trophies being handed out were just some of the highlights of the festivities.
The list of achievements being given were, Best Goal, Rising Star, Coach of the Year, Best Goalkeeper, Best Player, and 5 Stars. The best goal was awarded to Llorenç of Spain, who had a goal for the ages in the Superfinal in Torredembarra, where he almost toyed with the defense, juggling all the way to the goal for a precise chip shot that dropped home. Rising Star was given to Ott of Switzerland, who broke out this past season for 21 goals in the Euro Beach Soccer League. He broke the record previously held by his teammate, Stankovic. Coach of the year went to Russia’s Mikhail Likhachev, who has guided his team to the last FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup title as well as the EBSL crown. Best goalkeeper was Dona of Spain, who has made it possible and been crucial to all of the Spaniards recent success. Best Player was handed to Bruno Xavier of Brazil, who is one of the most iconic figures of the sport, on the most recognizable team. The 5 stars were all special players and they started with Dona, his second recognition on the night, Ozu of Japan, Bruno Xavier, his second trophy as well, Llorenç was selected also, and lastly, Leonov, the captain of the two-time World Cup defending champion Russia.
The stars, literally and figuratively, were all out for the wonderful ceremony and after the night was over, they turned to the final day of the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup Dubai 2014, where many of the Stars are currently playing. Ozu will be in the match for 7th place against a pesky USA side, while for Bruno Xavier and Leonov will do battle in the final. The event and the Cup itself could not have been made possible without the help of the local, Dubai Sports Council.
The final list of awarded was:
Best player: Bruno Xavier (BRA)
Best Goalkeeper: Dona (ESP)
Best Coach: Mikhail Likhachev (RUS)
Best 5 stars: Dona (ESP), Leonov (RUS), Ozu (JPN), Bruno Xavier (BRA) and Llorenç (ESP)
Rising Star: Noel Ott (SUI)
Best Goal: Llorenç Gómez (ESP)
