The semi-finals are now set for the 2008 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. On Friday, July 26th, Brazil will take on Portugal and Spain will meet Italy. Highlights are available on the FIFA website at this link.
Italy get the better of France…again
Italy kicked off in fifth gear to storm to a 5-2 win over France and a place in the Marseille 2008 semi-finals. The Azzurri were two goals up inside 90 seconds, and although the home fans roared on Les Bleus, they were unable to get back into the game.
Massimiliano Esposito broke the deadlock, and Simone Feudi’s brace sent Italy in at the first break 3-0 up. Giuseppe Condorelli and Paolo Palmacci amplified their lead towards the end of the second, but Didier Samoun scored before the 24 minutes were out.
Stephane Francois then made it 5-2 on 32 minutes, but it proved too little, too late for France.
Brazil outlast valiant Russia
Brazil survived their toughest test in a long time to beat Russia 6-4 in an exhilarating quarter-final. The Seleção were twice behind, but a treble from Daniel helped take their unbeaten run to 71 games and book a date with Portugal. Goals from Egor Shaykov and Dmitry Shishin had sent Russia into a shock early lead. The holders were stunned but reigning FIFA World Player Buru responded as a world champion should, deceiving his marker and thumping the ball past the impressive Andrey Bukhlitskiy to make it 2-1. Nikolai Pisarev’s chagres came close to scoring on a number of occasions, yet it was their opponents that completed the first-period scoring through a fine Bruno strike. Ilya Leonov edged Russia back in front in the second, but Daniel responded immediately to send the sides in level at the 24-minute mark. The Brazilian No. 5 then added two more in the last period, and although Buru was sent off and Shaykov pulled one back, Benjamin found the target to put the game beyond the Europeans’ reach.
Portugal move into semis
Portugal delivered a dominant third-period display to see off Uruguay’s challenge and march into the semi-finals of Marseille 2008. Ze Miguel’s side’s 6-3 victory means they will now face the winners of Brazil-Russia for a place in the final. After a tight opening, the in-form Belchior fired Portugal in front. Beirao Sousa and Madjer extended their advantage, but Fabian and Martin ensured Uruguay went in at the second break only a goal behind. However, Bilro, a Coco own goal and another from Belchior sent the Portuguese into a 6-2 lead, before Fabian’s second of the game reduced the deficit.
Nico stars as Spain progress
Nico emerged as the hero as Spain beat Argentina 2-0 to reach the last four at Marseille 2008. The No6 scored both his side’s goals as they set up a semi-final meeting with either France or Italy. It took Nico just three seconds to open the scoring on his 32nd birthday, firing home impressively after being teed-up straight from kick-off. The Spanish and Argentinian defences ruled thereafter, and it took until the 31st minute for Joaquin’s charges to double their lead, Nico tapping home from close range. The birthday boy then cleared a Federico Hilaire effort off the line, and a Roberto Valeiro save ensured Spain kept their first clean sheet of the competition.
