FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009

[Wycombe Fox]

Just in case anyone's interested, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup started today in Dubai.

http://www.fifa.com/beachsoccerworldcup/matches/index.html

Sadly England didn't qualify but there should be plenty of cracking matches.

It's on Eurosport and I'm watching a good live stream on Sopcast channel 71302.

Teams to watch out for - Brazil, Portugal and Spain.

Outsiders - Switzerland, Russia and Ivory Coast.

Paddy Power taking bets so might have a few punts in this.

[Fox92]

Isn't Cantona manager of France?

[Wycombe Fox]

Isn't Cantona manager of France?

Yes - they didn't qualify either.

Many apologies - I've messed up here - could a mod please put this in the right section for me

[Floating Fox]

England were knocked out by Azerbijan. Classic!

Solomon Islands won their opening game too! I'd be surprised if anyone other than Brazil win this!

[Father Ted]

Brazil absolutely battered Nigeria.

Watched it earlier on Eurosport. Very interesting

[Wycombe Fox]

1st Day Results;

Group A

Uruguay 6-7 Solomon Islands

United Arab Emirates 5-7 Portugal

Group B

Ivory Coast 7-6 El Salvador

Spain 5-6 Japan (5-5 AET, Penalty Shoot-Out Win)

Group C

Argentina 2-3 Italy (AET)

Russia 5-1 Costa Rica

Group D

Switzerland 6-5 Bahrain

Brazil 11-5 Nigeria

Day 2 Preview

Dangerous teams such as Spain, Nigeria and Uruguay lost on the opening day of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009. It served as indication of the growing unpredictability of the sport, and as a warning to the favoured sides heading into an intriguing Day 2.

Game of Today

Solomon Islands-United Arab Emirates, 19.30 (local time)

After nearly squandering a five-goal lead on Day 1 of Dubai 2009, the talented James Naka and his fellow Solomons will need to be on their guard if they are to earn points against the impressive hosts. Though they lost to Portugal, Bakhit Alabadla and his UAE team-mates showed a lot of class as they pushed the mighty Europeans to the limit. With a likely repeat of the strong, local support that UAE received from the stands this evening, it may be the only inspiration they will need to secure their first win and challenge the Group A leaders.

Other matches

The other match in Group A features teams who are riding rather different waves of emotion. Uruguay dropped a hard-fought match to Solomon Islands, while Portugal are fresh from recovering a three-goal deficit to emerge victorious over United Arab Emirates.

It is still uncertain whether the injured Amarelle will join his cohorts in their effort to kick-start their Dubai 2009 campaign. Certainly Spanish fingers will be crossed as they prepare to take on a determined El Salvador side that, despite losing their initial match, notched six goals on the opening day of the competition. Elsewhere in Group B, Côte d'Ivoire face Japan in a match that will end with one of these combatants seizing the summit.

After a heart-breaking, extra-time loss to Italy, Argentina head into their confrontation with Costa Rica looking to earn their first win, while at the same time hoping Russia can overcome Gli Azzurri, a combination of results that would propel them into second place, assuming they can manage to earn a victory in regular time.

Group D will feature winning sides that opened and closed Day 1 on Jumeirah Beach in fine fashion, with newcomers Switzerland taking on Nigeria and defending champions Brazil poised to face Bahrain. After an expected, but still altogether riveting, display of beach soccer savvy against Nigeria, surely the Brazilians will be ready to offer more thrills and spills to their fans here in Dubai and those tuning in around the world.

Player to watch

Bakhit Alabadla (United Arab Emirates)

The Stat

5 – The number of Spanish-speaking nations, namely Argentina, Costa Rica, Spain, Uruguay and El Salvador, that will be seeking their first victory at Dubai 2009 on Day 2.

The Quote

"It is good to start with a 5-1 (victory). If we win the next game, we are in the quarter-finals and that is our aim. But we have to keep on improving certain things. We are very disciplined in the defence and, even if we don’t have big names or big stars, we have a good group," Russia coach Nokolai Pisarev.

Today's Games (times GMT)?

Costa Rica-Argentina (09:30)

Japan-Côte d'Ivoire (09:30)

Portugal-Uruguay (11:00)

Nigeria-Switzerland (11:00)

El Salvador-Spain (12:30)

Italy-Russia (14:00)

Solomon Islands-United Arab Emirates (15:30)

Bahrain-Brazil (17:00)

[Fox You Forest]

Watching Uruguay v Portugal now, looks like hard work running on the sand.

Strange that the backpass is allowed, that's all Uruguay seem to do then the goalie drops it and has a shot.

[Wycombe Fox]

Uruguay beating Portugal is a massive surprise.

In grass footballing terms it's like Brazil losing to Scotland!

I've been a player/manager for 8 seasons and yes it is very hard running on sand.

Just had a £5 accy on Spain, UAE, Russia and Brazil.

[Fox You Forest]

Wouldn't fancy being a 'keeper in this, the balls all over the shop when someone strikes it along the sand.

[Wycombe Fox]

Wouldn't fancy being a 'keeper in this, the balls all over the shop when someone strikes it along the sand.

It's best to get to the ball as quick as you can because you never know which bounce is going to hit the 'wrong' lump of sand and fire the ball over your shoulder!

There's a tournament down here at the end of May/early June next year - Foxestalk should get a team going for it.

[Wycombe Fox]

Looks like my accumulator's going to be paying out!

Spain and Russia won, UAE winning 7-1 with 2 minutes to go and I'll do a 'Bilo' if Brazil don't beat Bahrain!

[Wycombe Fox]

2nd Day Results;

Group A

Portugal 1-2 Uruguay

Solomon Islands 1-7 United Arab Emirates

Group B

Japan 3-2 Ivory Coast

El Salvador 3-7 Spain

Group C

Costa Rica 0-6 Argentina

Italy 1-3 Russia

Group D

Nigeria 2-7 Switzerland

Bahrain 1-8 Brazil

Day 3 Preview

The third day of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009 is set to bring a host of excitement to Jumeirah Beach. Japan, Russia, Brazil and Switzerland have all qualified after Tuesday’s games, so on Wednesday all eyes will be on the final group matches which determine who will join them in the quarter-finals.

The biggest of Wednesday’s games will be the crunch match between European champions Spain and Ivory Coast in Group B, while Group A is wide open with all four teams still in with a chance of qualifying. Elsewhere, Argentina and last year’s runners up Italy will be fighting to qualify from Group C.

Game of the Day

Spain v Ivory Coast, Group B, 09:30 (GMT)

The Spain-Ivory Coast match is extremely important for both sides, as whoever wins will qualify for the knockout stages. Spain suffered a shock defeat on penalties against Asian champions Japan in their opening game, before returning to winning ways against Costa Rica in their second encounter. This match will not be easy for the European champions, as they are facing a stubborn African side who are fresh from victory against Japan in their own second game. Yet the Spaniards' experience may give them the edge against the tournament debutants.

Other Matches

Group A is the most evenly balanced group so far, and going into the final day, every team still has a chance of qualifying. After Tuesday's defeat at the hands of Uruguay, Madjer and his Portuguese team-mates will be trying to regain some pride when they play the Solomon Islands, while hosts United Arab Emirates take on the South Americans in another intriguing match-up.

Although all eyes in Group B will be on Spain and Ivory Coast, section leaders Japan will not be expected to struggle in their game against El Salvador. The Asian champions have already qualified with two successive wins, while El Salvador are already out of the running.

The fate of Italy in Group C is now out of their hands: the Azzurri have to beat Costa Rica while hoping Argentina fail to get a repeat of their win against Russia in Marseille 2008. That was the only time the pair have met in this competition, with the South Americans coming away with a 5-3 success. Russia, for their part, will be attempting to cement their position at the top of the group and underline their status as the tournament's dark horse.

As for Group D, title holders Brazil will hope to head into the quarter-finals as group leaders after their confrontation with newcomers Switzerland. Meanwhile, group rivals Bahrain and Nigeria square off with only a token victory at stake before both bid farewell to Dubai.

Player to Watch

Swiss striker Dejan Stankovic stole the limelight with four goals against Nigeria. The quadruple haul brought his total to six so far, putting him on top of the scoring charts and helping the tournament debutants to the knockout stages in the process. However, Stankovic is sure to face stiff competition for the competition's top-scorer prize from Brazilian sharpshooters Buru and Bruno.

The Stat

7 – On Wednesday, Switzerland will become the seventh European team to play Brazil since the inception of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

The Quote

“The match against the Solomon Islands was like the first final for us and Uruguay will be the second. We’ve learned a lot from our second match and we’ll play well against Uruguay. I have asked the players not to think about the results of the other teams, but to concentrate on our match. I believe we’ll win and qualify for the quarter-finals.” United Arab Emirates coach, Marcelo Mendes

Today's Games

Spain-Côte d’Ivoire (09:30)

Japan-El Salvador (09:30)

Russia-Argentina (11:00)

Costa Rica-Italy (11:00)

Portugal-Solomon Islands (12:30)

Nigeria-Bahrain (14:00)

United Arab Emirates-Uruguay (15:30)

Brazil-Switzerland (17:00)

See Betting Thread for today's tips, Isle of Wight Fox Pundit stylee (but without the humour!)

[Father Ted]

DEJAN STANKOVIC!!!

[Wycombe Fox]

Day three of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009 saw eight matches played out on Jumeirah Beach, at the end of which the quarter-final line-up was decided.

The standout tie in the last eight will surely be the repeat of last year’s final between Brazil and Italy. In the other quarter-finals, Portugal play Asian champions Japan, Spain face Uruguay, and tournament debutants Switzerland hope to continue their progress against the dark horses of the competition, Russia.

Today, Group A leaders Portugal ran out comfortable winners against Solomon Islands to ensure Madjer and Co reach the knockout stages for the fifth time in succession. Second place in the group was taken by Uruguay who showed great courage in beating the hosts 4-0.

Japan completed their smooth progress through Group B with their third win of the tournament, this time over El Salvador. The Asian champions are now hoping to better their achievements of 2005, when they reached the semi-finals. Spain, meanwhile, managed an unconvincing win against newcomers Côte d’Ivoire to take second spot, but Amarelle and his colleagues were a shadow of their former destructive selves.

In Group C Argentina came from behind to draw in the final seconds against Russia before going on to win on penalties. Sadly, it was a hollow victory for the South Americans who bid farewell to Dubai after missing out on the quarter-final berth to Italy, who qualified thanks to the head-to-head result between the two sides.

Dejan Stankovic stunned Brazil by scoring twice to put Switzerland in the lead in Group D but the experience of the world champions showed in the end, and they took maximum points from the group. African champions Nigeria grabbed the biggest win of the day, beating Bahrain 9-3 in an end-to-end game, after both sides had already been knocked out on Day 2.

Results

Spain 9-6 Côte d’Ivoire

Japan 7-2 El Salvador

Russia 3-3 Argentina (3-4 after penalties)

Costa Rica 1-3 Italy

Portugal 6-1 Solomon Islands

Nigeria 9-3 Bahrain

United Arab Emirates 0-4 Uruguay

Brazil 4-2 Switzerland

Goal of the Day

Amarelle, 14’10” Spain-Côte d’Ivoire

The honour today goes to Amarelle’s first goal against Côte d’Ivoire, which not only showed excellent technique but was also vital in the context of the game. With the European champions trailing by two goals in the first period, Nico played a high ball to Amarelle, who scored with an overhead kick to haul his team back into the match.

Memorable moments

Protest: Although his team won 7-2 against El Salvador to top the group, Japan coach Ruy Ramos left the substitutes bench to complain about his team’s performance. There is no doubt that Ramos will demand more from his team in their quarter-final against Portugal.

Nervous moment: The Italy-Costa Rica match played on pitch 2 saw the most nervous moment. Gli Azzurri had won 3-1 but then had to wait for the result of the Russia-Argentina game. The tension was clear on the Italian faces when they heard Argentina celebrating the equaliser. Then it was Italy’s turn to celebrate as they qualified thanks to their result against the South Americans.

Farewell party: Nigeria bade farewell to Dubai in style by scoring nine against Bahrain, with seven different players finding the net. Every time they scored the players had a different celebration, the best being by the youngest man in the tournament, Azeez Abu, who performed 'Elanda', a Nigerian dance.

Unwavering support: A large crowd gathered and were unwavering in their support of United Arab Emirates in their match against Uruguay. The visitors ignored the pressure and noise of the crowd though, and inflicted a defeat on the valiant hosts that saw them bow out of the tournament.

Family support: The Jaeggy parents were there to support their three sons, Valentin, Kaspar and Mo who made it difficult for the world champions. Goalkeeper Valentin stood firm time and again against the Brazilian attack lead by Benjamin and Bruno, and the happiness on his parents' faces was plain to see even after Switzerland had lost the match.

[Wycombe Fox]

The quarter-finals of Dubai 2009 take place on Friday and it is perhaps unsurprising that Brazil, Japan, Portugal, Uruguay and Spain are still alive, each of these experienced sides having appeared at the last four editions of the tournament. They are joined by Marseille 2008 finalists Italy, newcomers Switzerland, and ever-dangerous Russia. Argentina, another perennial participant, fell just short of making it to the quarter-finals, despite their victory over Russia on Wednesday.

Game of the Day

Brazil v Italy, 15.30 (GMT)

For the first time in the history of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, the two finalists of the previous edition are paired against each other in the quarter-finals. Defending champions Brazil will take on Italy in a replay of the Marseille 2008 final, the only prior encounter between these two sides. Brazil had a five goal advantage in that match until three late goals frayed Brazilian nerves. But the Seleção held on to earn a 5-3 triumph and their third successive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Both sides enter Friday’s match with nine of the same players from last year’s final, Brazil adding Dino, Daniel Souza and goalkeeper Alessandro, while Italy have been fortified with Marco Sguazzin, Pasquale Carotenuto and goalkeeper Simone del Mestre. Brazil are riding a wave of 22 consecutive victories and, in their 11-5 defeat of Nigeria on Monday, hit double figures for the seventh time in 26 games played at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Other Matches

Russia and Switzerland are two sides that appear to be hitting their form at just the right time. The two nations have never played each other in a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, but the Russians grabbed a 3-2 win in qualifying action last year to deny the Swiss a trip to Marseille 2008. And in 2007, Nokolai Pisarev’s men secured an 8-2 victory in the first stage of the qualifiers. Excluding the participants in the inaugural contest, Switzerland are the first European debutants to make it to the knockout stages.

Tensions were running high for Portugal after their defeat by Uruguay, but Madjer’s lightning strike against Solomon Islands after just two seconds was the quickest in tournament history, as Portugal’s confidence returned. Though they will be without Shusei Yamauchi, the Asian champions will likely prove a formidable adversary, as one of only two sides to have escaped the group stages unbeaten. In their only previous meeting, Portugal beat Japan 4-0 in the group stages of Rio de Janeiro 2005.

Although they have taken part in every previous edition, Uruguay and Spain have never met in beach soccer’s showpiece event. Uruguay have twice finished in the top three in previous editions of the tournament and notched their first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup clean sheet on Wednesday. After a tough start, Spain cruised through their last two matches and appear ready for their next challenge.

Player to Watch

Since Amarelle’s return from injury, Spain have not lost. With stiff competition up next in the form of the formidable Diego and Uruguay, La Roja will be relying on the adidas Golden Ball winner at Marseille 2008 to deliver when he is needed most.

The Stat

5 – Russia’s stingy defence conceded just five goals during the group stage, the best performance at Dubai 2009. They will need to continue to be at their best when they face off against the prolific Dejan Stankovic and his Swiss cohorts.

The Quote

“I think that Japan currently possesses a very high spirit and, from my point of view, they were one of the best teams in the group phase. The key thing about Japan is that they are good as a team, in addition to being skilled as individuals. But Portugal is also very strong and I think that we are going to win. Our expectations are very high. We are improving match by match and I hope that we reach our potential in the final,” Belchoir, Portugal player

Today's Games (GMT)

Japan v Portugal (12:30)

Russia v Switzerland (14:00)

Brazil v Italy (15:30)

Uruguay v Spain (17:00)

[Tevez]

It's best to get to the ball as quick as you can because you never know which bounce is going to hit the 'wrong' lump of sand and fire the ball over your shoulder!

There's a tournament down here at the end of May/early June next year - Foxestalk should get a team going for it.

That would be class

[Wycombe Fox]

http://www.iraqgoals.net/ch6.html

Russia v Switzerland NOW!!!

[Wycombe Fox]

http://www.iraqgoals.net/ch6.html

Brazil v Italy 3.30pm today

[Wycombe Fox]

http://www.iraqgoals.net/ch6.html

Uruguay v Spain 5.00pm today

[Wycombe Fox]

I get the feeling I'm on my own here!!

The quarter-finals produced four top-notch games. Brazil battled through at the expense of Italy in a repeat of last year’s final, while Portugal had a difficult time before eventually knocking out Asian champions Japan. In the other two games, Switzerland continued their rich vein of form by beating a strong Russia team and Uruguay needed extra time to see off European champions Spain.

Game of the Day

Portugal v Brazil, 15:30 (GMT)

The first semi-final brings together two teams that have played each other in every edition of the tournament so far. Excitement is virtually guaranteed as the previous encounters between the two have always produced thrilling spectacles.

This year Portugal will go into the game seeking revenge for their last three defeats by the South Americans, and hoping to repeat their success of Rio de Janeiro 2005 when they became the first and only team to beat Brazil in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. That historic match was also at the semi-final stage and will invoke happy memories for Bruno, Madjer and Alan, all of whom were in the Portuguese team that prevailed in the penalty shoot-out that day.

Brazil have not lost a single match in this tournament since that day and will fight hard to ensure they maintain their impressive unbeaten record. Brazil are graced with the presence of Benjamin and Buru, who also featured that day and now intend to lead their team to a fourth successive victory over their European rivals. A win would go a long way towards confirming Brazil's superiority over Portugal in semi-finals, with four wins to one.

The Other Match

This is the third time Uruguay have qualified for the semi-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, while Switzerland only made their debut at the tournament this year. The South Americans’ greater experience may play an important role in deciding the outcome of this match. Team captain Fabian will be hoping that his team can repeat their achievements of 2006, when they reached the final by defeating another European team, in the form of 2005 world champions France.

The Swiss will be aiming to become only the second-ever debutants to reach the final, following in the footsteps of Mexico in 2007, and they certainly seem to have the necessary talents at their disposal. Switzerland are led by prolific striker Dejan Stankovic, who is currently the tournament’s top scorer with 11 goals. He will be hoping to find the net again, but that will not be an easy task against Diego, one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament.

Player to Watch

The Portugal-Brazil tie brings some of the biggest talents in the world together, but all eyes will be on one man for his goal-scoring prowess. Portuguese captain Madjer has scored an amazing 13 goals against Brazil and has scored at least once in the last four matches between the two.

The Stat

12 – Out of 23 attempts, the Swiss players have scored 12 goals with scissor kicks, the largest number of goals scored in this way. The latest was by the current tournament top scorer Dejan Stankovic in the quarter-final against Russia. Will Switzerland continue in their acrobatic style against Uruguay goalkeeper Diego?

The Quote

“I think we’ll have a hard match against Portugal, just as we did against Switzerland and Italy, but I hope that we will play better and get to the final. I remember our game in 2005. I scored the equaliser, but we had no luck in the penalty shoot-out. That’s football and that’s what makes it beautiful; the fact that any team can win. I just hope we win this one.” Brazil captain, Benjamin

Today's Matches

Portugal v Brazil (15:30 GMT)

Switzerland v Uruguay (17:00 GMT)

[Wycombe Fox]

The sands of Jumeirah Beach may never be the same after absorbing a week’s worth of punishment as the world’s best beach soccer players let feet fly in pursuit of glory here at Dubai 2009. And it just keeps getting better. Sunday is the final day of competition, a day in which two proven sides will fight for a spot the final three, and a plucky tournament debutant has the opportunity to take the title and write their names in the annals of beach soccer lore.

Game of the Day

Brazil v Switzerland, 17.00 (GMT)

The match for beach soccer’s biggest prize pits defending champions Brazil against competition newcomers Switzerland. Brazil looked as free-flowing and deadly as ever in their semi-final match against Portugal. The Swiss put on an equally impressive show, propelled by the tournament’s leading scorer Dejan Stankovic, who added a mere four additional goals to his impressive tally.

Though given stern tests by both Portugal and Italy, Brazil have essentially been on cruise control for much of their stay at Jumeirah Beach. Against the long-time masters of beach soccer, Switzerland will seek to build upon their exceptional form to leave no doubt that they are the future of beach soccer.

Can Brazil earn their 25th consecutive victory at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and claim their fourth consecutive crown? Or will November prove to be an even better month for Swiss football, as the upstart newcomers seek to replicate the recent success of their U-17 compatriots.

Other Match

Portugal and Uruguay are set to contest the match for third place in a reprise of their group stage encounter. Though they dropped a nail-biter to the Solomon Islands, Uruguay looked very capable in their matches with both Portugal, who they dismissed thanks to Coco’s late strike, and the United Arab Emirates.

These two capable sides met in the quarter-finals of Marseille 2008, where Portugal emerged victorious in a 6-3 win. Uruguay will need to neutralize the inspiring Belchior, but will also remember that it was Madjer and Alan who tallied two apiece in Portugal’s 5-4 defeat of Uruguay at Rio de Janeiro 2006. Indeed, Portugal know more than one way to win and will be considering their strategy carefully as they prepare to face the runners-up at Rio de Janeiro 2006.

Player to Watch

Switzerland’s goalkeeper Nico Jung has turned in stellar performances since arriving in Dubai, helping his side become only the second newcomers to make it to FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup final, following Mexico’s example in 2007. With Brazil’s evenly balanced strike-force looming large and eager to defend their title, Jung will need to be at his very best, indeed.

The Stats

37 and 26 – The number of goals that Brazil and Switzerland respectively have tallied at Dubai 2009 to date, to earn the top two slots in terms of goalscoring productivity. Word to the wise: take cover when the sparks begin to fly and both sides let loose in the tournament finale on Jumeirah Beach on Sunday.

The Quote

“We are realistic. We know that Brazil is very strong. That is why we have to play very concentrated tomorrow. We cannot make any mistake if we want to have a chance. The secret of our success is only passion and team work. We have made a great tournament and we want to finish in the best way. Nothing is impossible.” – Switzerland player/coach Angelo Schirinzi

“Switzerland are the surprise of this tournament. They are very strong as a group and have shown their skills in all of the matches that they have played. It will be a very complicated game.” – Buru, Brazil player

Today's Games

Match for third place

Portugal v Uruguay (15:30 GMT)

Final

Brazil v Switzerland (17:00 GMT)

[Wycombe Fox]

The latest FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup ended in familiar fashion on Sunday, with Brazil seeing off Switzerland to collect the trophy for the fourth year running. The European newcomers had no answer to a hugely experienced Seleção, containing six players - namely Benjamin, Betinho, Buru, Mao, Sidney and Andre - who were contesting their fourth final.

The Swiss battled bravely, but with their goalscorer-in-chief Dejan Stankovic having an off-day by his standards, they were unable to match the South Americans’ superior finishing power. Faced with the competition’s best goalkeeper in Brazil’s Mao, Stankovic was restricted to just the one goal in his side’s 10-5 defeat.

By way of consolation, however, the Swiss striker collected the adidas Golden Ball as the outstanding player of the tournament and also made off with the adidas Golden Shoe, awarded to the top scorer.

For the second consecutive year, Portugal finished third, overcoming Uruguay in a high-scoring match for third place. The Portuguese were inspired by another one-man show from the magnificent Madjer, who struck seven goals to beat the previous scoring record of six in one game, which he himself set against Cameroon in 2006.

Third Place Play-Off

Portugal 14-7 Uruguay

Beach Soccer World Cup Final

Brazil 10-5 Switzerland

Goal of the Day

Andre (Brazil) 5’56’’, Brazil v Switzerland

Andre gave Brazil an important psychological edge when he scored the opening goal of the final in the most spectacular manner, delighting the fans with a trademark overhead-kick that set his side on the road to victory.

Memorable Moments

Ten goals in 12 minutes

Portugal’s match for third place with Uruguay turned out to be something of a goal feast, with the two sides sharing a tournament-record ten goals in a thrilling second period.

Super Stan fails to fire

Dejan Stankovic’s goals have been one of the main reasons behind Switzerland’s sensational surge. Further proof of his importance to the side came in the final. The tournament’s top scorer had netted a minimum of two goals in each game to date and had scored in the first period of every match. Stankovic failed to keep that record going against the Brazilians, however, and his team suffered for it. By the time he finally got his name on the scoresheet 24 seconds from the end, the A Seleção were already out of sight. Fortunately for him, his team-mates had managed to keep the score respectable.

Swiss Persistence

As Brazil eased off towards the end of the final, Switzerland took advantage to make the scoreline a little more respectable. The five goals they eventually scored were more than the Brazilians had ever conceded in the final before, each strike being celebrated enthusiastically by the European underdogs, and each strike being dedicated to their loyal fans.

Say it with lights

Showing their appreciation for a fantastic evening’s entertainment, with 36 goals being scored in the day’s two games, the tournament organisers laid on a superb fireworks and lights show, filling the beach with lasers recreating a beach soccer match. The spectacle was so good that even the celebrating Brazilian contingent set aside their samba drums for a few minutes to take it all in. Thanks Dubai for your magnificent hospitality.

The Stat

21 - The number of goals scored by Portugal and Uruguay in the day’s opening game, a tournament record that will be difficult to top.

What they said

“It’s a delight to play in this side and have so many team-mates who have done so much to help me score goals and to break another record. Our aim was to at least come away with a medal for the Portugal fans, and it’s always an honour for me to win an individual award. One day, though, we hope to go on and become the champions,” Portugal captain Madjer.

“First of all I’d like to congratulate Brazil because they have been the best side. I’m also very proud of my team. We kept fighting till the end and we managed to put five past Brazil, which is not easy. It has been a great tournament and we’ve done a really good job. We can be proud of ourselves,” Switzerland captain Angelo Schirinzi

“Thanks to God and this wonderful group of players we have been able to win our fourth title. We won because of our togetherness, our respect for each other and the love that there is in the camp, and this fourth title is reward for all our hard work. We’d like to dedicate it to our families, the people of Brazil and to everyone who has supported us along the way,” Brazil captain Benjamin