Brazil have won the Samsung Beach Soccer Interncontinental Cup after winning a thriling final 3-2 against Russia, who suffered defeat in the showpiece for a second successive year.
The reigning world champions edged a tight final at the Dubai International Marine Club, needing extra-time to pip Russia to glory.
Fred drew first blood for the Canarinho but a Kirill Romanov penalty brought the Europeans level just before the interval. Rodrigo then scored his first goal of the day, to restore the slim one goal lead to his team, early in the final period, but with Russia pushing hard, Brazil goalkeeper Mao stood firm. But persistence ended up paying off as a direct free-kick from Anatoliy Peremitin levelled the scores again late on.
That sent the game spiralling into extra-time and it was fittingly left up to recently crowned Beach Soccer Stars Player of the Year Bruno Xavier to score the goal that added another piece of silverware to Brazil’s bulging Beach Soccer trophy cabinet.
Congratulations Brazil!! Winners of the #Samsung #beachsoccer #IntercontinentalCup #Dubai 2014 Parabéns @CBF_Futebol pic.twitter.com/paYCFLmxRd
— BeachSoccerWorldwide (@BeachSoccer_WW) November 8, 2014
Earlier, Portugal claimed third place at the tournament with a 3-0 victory over last year’s champions Iran. After an attritional first two periods, Portugal burst into life in the third with Jordan and a brace from Be Martins securing a second victory over the Iranians at this tournament.
The UAE team were denied a fifth-placed finish as Morocco claimed a 4-2 win after extra-time. The North Africans had earlier in the tournament let a big lead slip against the UAE but this time were required to come from behind in an exciting contest.
Hassan Ali handed the hosts an early lead but Boulakouaba’s spectacular diving effort brought the scores level. The UAE re-established an advantage thanks to Haji but Nassim – who had produced a virtuoso display – got the goal he deserved 40 seconds from the end of the game, before adding another in extra-time to help Morocco to victory.
In the first game of the day, USA were consigned to last place at the Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup as a rampant Japan side won 6-1 to claim seventh spot.
