Russia took top spot in European qualifiers for #BeachSoccerWC
Belarus the tournament’s surprise qualifiers
Italy, Switzerland and Portugal also secured berths at Paraguay 2019
Russia were emphatic winners of the European qualifying tournament for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Paraguay 2019, where, after missing the previous edition, they will again be among the title contenders.
The Russians, who were crowned world champions in 2011 and 2013 and finished third in 2015, dominated from start to finish in Moscow, winning the European qualifying event for the second time in four years.
Second place went to Italy, who had to work hard for some key wins, a trait that could prove invaluable at this year’s World Cup after finishing fourth in the two previous editions.
The tournament’s surprise team were Belarus, who finished third to finally qualify for the Beach Soccer World Cup at their seventh attempt. In so doing, they became the first new European side to grace the finals since the Netherlands in 2013.
Switzerland had some ups and downs of their own before prevailing in decisive moments to secure fourth place and reach their third consecutive World Cup. Yet despite that inconsistency, they possess a wonderfully versatile squad and will be among the candidates in Paraguay.
Last to book their ticket were Portugal, who defeated Spain on penalties in the match for fifth place. The Selecção das Quinas held their nerve when it was its most critical and will be aiming for a repeat of their 2015 world title triumph.
For Spain, by contrast, it was yet another frustration, with World Cup qualification eluding them for the second consecutive edition. Also disappointed were Poland, who, after qualifying for Bahamas 2017, failed to make it back-to-back appearances at the World Cup.
Russia's path
Won all eight of their games, all in regulation time
Goals: 54 for (6.75 per game) and ten against (1.25 per game)
Top scorers: Boris Nikonorov (8); Artur Paporotnyi and Fedor Zemskov (7)
Did you know...
Paraguay 2019 will be Russia’s seventh participation at the World Cup
Yuri Krasheninnikov was named Player of the Tournament, and Maxim Chuzhkov the Best Goalkeeper
Italy’s path
Won six matches, all in regulation time
Goals: 42 for (5.25) – 20 against (2.50)
Top scorers: Gabriele Gori (14); Paolo Palmaci (7)
Did you know...
Italy will be making their eighth appearance at the World Cup, a record only bettered by Portugal (nine) among European countries
They provided the tournament’s top scorer in Gori
Belarus’s path
Won seven games, three of them on penalties!
Goals: 30 for (3.75) – 20 against (2.50)
Top scorers: Anatoly Ryabko and Dzianis Samsonov (5)
Did you know...
Belarus became the tenth European nation to qualify for a Beach Soccer World Cup
Switzerland’s path
Won five games in regulation time
Goals: 39 for (4.87) – 30 against (3.75)
Top scorers: Philipp Borer (9) and Dejan Stankovic (7)
Did you know...
Switzerland lost three times during the qualifiers: twice to Belarus and once to champions Russia
The Swiss will be appearing at their fifth Beach Soccer World Cup
Portugal’s path
Won seven games, all in regulation time, before needing penalties to see off Spain
Goals: 57 for (7.12) – 20 against (2.50)
Top scorers: Leo Martins (12), Madjer (9)
Did you know...
Portugal outscored their fellow World Cup finalists during qualifying
Paraguay 2019 will be their ninth finals appearance, the most of any European team