Italy, Portugal and Switzerland joined Poland in qualifying for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 after reaching the semi-finals of the European qualifying tournament in Jesolo, Italy.
Hosts Italy delighted the home crowd by securing their place in the Bahamas after Friday’s 5-2 victory over Hungary assured them top spot in Group One.
Defending Beach Soccer world champions Portugal claimed top spot in Group Two with a dramatic 5-4 win over Belarus. Jordan’s late penalty guaranteed the Iberian nation will have the opportunity to defend their World Cup title next year.
Earlier on Friday, Switzerland became the second European side to secure their place at Bahamas 2017 by topping Group Four after an 8-4 victory over Spain.
Saturday’s semi-finals see Portugal face Switzerland, while hosts Italy take on Poland.
Next year’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will take place between 27 April – 7 May.