Brazil lift beach World Cup trophy
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Brazil retained its beach soccer World Cup crown with a 10-5 victory over Switzerland in the final yesterday.
Brazil, who have now won their fourth consecutive world title, were a class apart despite a gutsy performance from the Swiss.
Buru, Betinho and Andre scored a brace each while Sidney, Benjamin, Bueno and Daniel Souza were also on the scoresheet. Dejan Stankovic, Mo Jaeggy, Michael Rodrigues, Stephan Meier and Angelo Schirinzi grabbed replied for the Swiss, who finished runners-up at the 2009 European Championships.
Brazil opened the scoring through Andre who beat Nico Jung in the Swiss goal with a superb overhead kick. Betinho doubled the lead with a long-range effort and Buru added a third a little later.
The Swiss pulled one back through skipper Jaeggy, but Brazil restored their three-goal lead before the first break when Souza poked the ball home three seconds from time. Luckless Switzerland had a goal ruled out as the ball appeared to have crossed the line after the sounding of the hooter.
Buru scored his second with a powerful shot from distance and Brazil captain Benjamin made it 6-1 from a free-kick before Andre and Betinho collected their second goals before the break.
The third session witnessed end-to-end football with both sides on the attack. The Swiss were the first to find the net with Meier beating substitute goalkeeper Alessandro with a volley.
Brazil hit back when Sidney converted from the spot, but the Swiss scored their third goal with a shot by Rodrigues from 10 metres. Brazil keeper Alessandro was beaten a third time in the half when Schirinzi headed home following a neat build up with Leu.
Stankovic’s header at the end following a corner rounded off the scoring for Switzerland, but Bueno’s thunderbolt of a free-hit gave substitute Swiss goalie Valentin Jaeggy no chance.
Portugal skipper Madjer led from the front in the third-place play-off, scoring seven times as his side demolished Uruguay 14-7. It was a repeat performance for the Portuguese, who finished third last year in Marseille, France.
