Senegal and Russia advance from Group C as Portugal accompany Brazil into last eight in Group D
Senegal, Portugal and Russia all won their third and final matches of the group stage, ensuring themselves of a spot in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Paraguay 2019 in the process.
Senegal were made to work hard right till the end of their 3-1 win over United Arab Emirates, a result which was sufficient for them to finish top of Group C. The Africans have now reached the last eight in four of the seven World Cups in which they have competed.
Two-time world champions Russia claimed second place in that section, coming back from 3-1 down to defeat – and eliminate – Belarus. The cost of qualification was high, though: Alexey Makarov and Artur Paporotnyi received a second yellow card and will not face Brazil in the next round.
In Group D, meanwhile, Portugal were forced to draw on all their experience and individual talent to get the better of Oman. In doing so, the Portuguese continued their run of attaining at least the quarter-final stage in the nine tournaments in which they have participated.
Brazil, Group D winners, concluded the day’s action with a comprehensive 12-2 success versus Nigeria.
Group C
United Arab Emirates 1-3 Senegal
Group D
Sibling synergy
For the first time at Paraguay 2019, the Portuguese twins, Be and Leo Martins, combined to score a goal. Be provided the assist, sending over a low, inviting cross for Leo, who stretched to guide the ball home at the back post and seal a 3-1 triumph for the European side.
Yellow wall
The Brazilian fans were in particularly raucous form on Tuesday, bringing colour and vibrancy to proceedings. Bedecked in their traditional yellow jerseys, they noisily celebrated all 12 of their team’s goals, while belting out some classic old football chants.
