Facts and figures of the biggest Beach Soccer showcase, just two days ahead this edition kicks-off the action in Tahiti
source: fifa.com (http://www.fifa.com/beachsoccerworldcup/)
With the seventh edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup set to kick off on 18 September in Tahiti, FIFA.com delves into the competition’s archives to highlight some of the tournament’s most revealing numbers.
4,672 – The average number of spectators at the total 180 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup games played so far. Brazil 2006 has been the most popular edition to date, with 179,800 fans turning out across the 32 fixtures, averaging an attendance of 5,619 per game.
1,523 – The total number of goals scored in the tournament’s history, giving an average of 8.46 per match. Brazil 2006 tops the charts in this category too, chalking up 8.94 goals every game (286 in 32 matches), narrowly edging out Marseilles 2008 (284 in 32). However, the competition’s highest scoring encounter came at Dubai 2009 when Portugal thrashed Uruguay 14-7.
79 -The total number of times the Portuguese forward Madjer has found the net in the six tournaments he has played in, making him comfortably the most free-scoring player in the competition’s history. His tally is more than double that of his closest challengers, with the Brazilians Bruno (36), Benjamin, Buru and Andre (all on 35) next in line, although the latter is the only one who will be in Tahiti. Madjer once scored seven in a single game against Uruguay at Ravenna 2011, beating the six he put past Cameroon at Brazil 2006. On top of that, the 16 hat-tricks he has scored is a tournament record, 11 more than second-placed Andre. Unfortunately, Madjer will not be able to add to his numbers at Tahiti 2013 as Portugal failed to qualify.
34 – The number of FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup matches played by Brazil’s Benjamin, a tournament record. However, that best-mark looks set to be broken in French Polynesia, as with Benjamin now retired, his compatriot Bruno (currently fourth on the list with on 31 appearances) could overtake him. If the South Americans reach the semi-finals in Tahiti, Bruno will move top of the leader board.
17 – years and eight months is the age of the youngest of all the 192 players set to grace the sands of Tahiti. The Solomon Islands’ Anthony Talo will not be the competition’s freshest-faced player ever, however, as that honour belongs to Nigeria’s Azeez Abu, who was 15 years and five months when he faced Brazil at Dubai 2009.
3 – The number of countries to have qualified for every edition of the tournament so far, including Tahiti 2013. Of the ever-present trio of Brazil, Japan and Argentina, the latter are the only side never to have reached the semi-finals. Portugal, who featured in every previous edition, will lose their perfect attendance record after failing to qualify this year.
2 – The number of tournament defeats Brazil have suffered. The first came on home sands in 2005 when Portugal beat them 2-1 on penalties following a 6-6 draw, while Russia held the upper hand in a 12-8 victory in the Ravenna 2011 final. There will also be two teams making the debuts at Tahiti 2013: the Netherlands and Paraguay.
1 – Tahiti is the first Pacific island nation to organise a FIFA World Cup? tournament.
