NATIONAL BEACH SOCCER ARENA
NASSAU’S BRAND NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY IS READY TO WITNESS HISTORY
#02
PHILIPPE MOGGIO
“BEACH SOCCER IS A GREAT PLATFORM TO DEVELOP THE GAME”
WORLD CUP
DRAW CONFIRMS FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP GROUPS
GORI DETAILS “THE WORLD CUP IS OUR TARGET”
04 - CONTENTS
IN THIS ISSUE...
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A QUALITY STADIUM FOR A QUALITY TOURNAMENT The stadium for the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 in Nassau is, unsurprisingly, one of the key themes in this issue. We take a thorough look at the main aspects of this incredible facility and get to know, from the people who designed and built it, why this special infrastructure is perfectly equipped to host the upcoming showpiece and why it promises to change the long-term sporting landscape in the country.
PHILIPPE MOGGIO CONCACAF’s General Secretary talks up the state of beach soccer in his region after the recent Nassau championship.
24 52
GORI: ”CAN ITALY WIN THE WORLD CUP? OF COURSE.” An exclusive with the talented ‘Capocannoniere’.
54 THE ROAD TO THE WORLD CUP The Official Draw for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup revealed the groups for the muchanticipated event during a special ceremony packed with dignitaries.
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EURO WINNERS CUP 2017 Nazaré gets ready to host Europe´s premier club competition.
46 62
FUELLED
Some tips on what to eat to recover your energy after a game.
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LATE TO THE PARTY
The AFC Beach Soccer Championship sends the final three nations to the Bahamas.
PETER RUFAI
The ex-Nigeria 11-a-side captain talks about what it means to be a goalkeeper, on grass and sand.
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ONCE UPON A TIME
We open up the archives and relive some timeless moments.
50 68
FAN PICS
Your views of beach soccer, packed with great pictures.
PURE GOOD VIBES
Get to know the Official Song of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and learn the lyrics by heart!
EBSL: THE LOWDOWN
All the information you need about the biggest Euro Beach Soccer League to date...
74
COMING UP
After Nassau, what does the beach soccer calendar have in store?
06 - KICKING OFF
KICKING OFF Hello again, dear beach soccer friends, For this, our second issue of BAREFOOT: The Beach Soccer Mag, we have chosen a very special theme. We wanted to talk about an amazing new facility that will play a very important role in the development of our sport in its region. I’m talking, of course, about the new, state-of-the-art stadium in the Bahamas, the National Beach Soccer Arena at Malcolm Park, which will host the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017. In the recent CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship, we had the chance to witness the great potential of this wonderful venue. We are now more sure than ever that it will make a key contribution in ensuring the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 will be an unforgettable beach soccer milestone. A special mention to Bahamas Football Association President Anton Sealey, the man responsible for a project that was exceptionally executed by Vice-President and Head Architect Bruce LaFleur. Congratulations to both on having the vision and ambition to make this happen. They understood from the start that an excellent facility like this can be a catalyst for beach soccer in the region, and appreciated more than anyone the close relationship between sport and tourism and how a top-drawer arena can not only bring benefits for Nassau, but for the whole country and the Caribbean. And today, Nassau’s National Beach Soccer Arena at Malcolm Park is already something the Bahamas can be extremely proud of. The wonderful CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship, as the organisation’s General Secretary Philippe Moggio outlined recently, demonstrated how strong the beach soccer heartbeat is being felt in the region, fostering excellent expectations not only for the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, but also the future of the sport in the Caribbean. As the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup inches ever closer, we hope you’re beginning to feel the excitement and, most of all, we really want you to enjoy it… We’re sure you will!
Editorial Director Iñaki Uribarri Editor-in-Chief Matthew Rogerson Design Director Laura Cuscó Design Manager Marta Cuscó Photographers Lea Weil Manuel Queimadelos Marcello Zambrana Contributors Lautaro Alborelo Lucas Danilas Gabriele Noli TV & Sponsorship Alex Soriano Edited by Beach Soccer Worldwide, SL Executive Vice-President Joan Cuscó
Joan Cuscó BSWW Vice-President and FIFA Beach Soccer CEO
08 - SNAPPED
A SANDY MASTERPIECE
Mexico’s Oswaldo Rodríguez sends the sand flying as he shoots for goal against Panama in the CONCACAF finale.
10 - SNAPPED
WHEN SALT BAE MEETS BEACH SOCCER…
Trinidad and Tobago’s Hakeem King is clearly an Instagram fan and took inspiration from the recent meme after scoring at the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship in Nassau.
12 - SNAPPED
FLYING THROUGH THE AIR
Goalkeeper Peyman Hosseini flings himself into the sky during Iran’s win against Japan.
14 - SNAPPED
INSPIRATIONAL
Never let anything stop you playing the game a motto demonstrated by disabled athletes prior to the Copa Libertadores in Santos.
16 - SNAPPED
LIFE´S A BEACH
Bahamas goalkeeper Ivan Rolle experiences a problem many players encounter during their time on the sand
18 - IN FIGURES
THE FIFA BEACH SOCCER WO
2,019 Goals scored in the eight FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups to date. Here’s to many more in Nassau!
81 Teams that participated in this edition’s qualifying stages - the highest number of countries ever to have been involved in the race for a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
244 Matches played across the eight editions of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
4,291 The average number of spectators for each game over recent years, helping create the unique atmosphere associated with this special competition.
ORLD CUP IN NUMBERS
8.3 The number of goals per FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup game, proving that for thrills and spills, it’s always better on the sand.
38 The number of different teams to have taken part in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, with this year’s competition featuring debutants Bahamas, Panama (both CONCACAF) and Ecuador (CONMBEOL).
1,047,020 The number of spectators to have witnessed the action during the last eight FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup competitions - with many more to follow in Nassau this year!
20 - INSIDE BEACH SOCCER
THE JEWEL IN THE C W
ith proper foundations, a sound infrastructure and consistent and thorough planning, a stadium can serve as a legacy for generations to come, a turning point in the history of a region and perhaps even the birth of a country’s new sporting passion. There are examples of this all over the world and the latest can be found adjacent to Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge in Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. The Nassau National Beach Soccer Arena is a brand new, 3,500-seat, state-of-the-art facility in the heart of the city that has already been to put to good use at the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship and will be enshrined in history when it hosts the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup across April and May this year. Constructed by a largely Bahamian team, the arena took less than six months to complete from start to finish and will not only help put the nation on the map when it becomes the setting for beach soccer’s global showpiece event, organisers also hope it can help grow the sport in the Bahamas. With its arcing, golden beaches and pristine turquoise oceans, it’s easy to see why the Bahamas represents an ideal place for the sport to grow and architect Bruce LaFleur is a vision of pride as he sits down to talk us through the stadium and its impact. “I am most proud of the fact that the stadium was built by a Bahamian-led team,” explains LaFleur, who is also a Bahamas Football Association Vice-President. “But I am very proud of the fact that every seat is ‘the best seat in the house’ and patrons can be fully engaged with what’s happening on the pitch. “Many Bahamians and other Caribbean nationals have expressed high levels of excitement and are blown away by the look of the stadium as well as the beach soccer experience. Bahamians in particular are proud of the structure that we can call our own.” In truth, it was no ordinary beach soccer stadium that LaFleur and his team had been tasked with building. This was to host the biennial FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and needed to serve as a catalyst for the growth of the sport in the region. In a country that places a great deal of interest in the likes of track and field, cricket and football, the
CARIBBEAN CROWN THE NASSAU NATIONAL BEACH SOCCER ARENA, HOME OF THE FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP BAHAMAS 2017
Architect Bruce LaFleur: “I am very proud of the fact that every seat is the best seat in the house.”
22 - INSIDE BEACH SOCCER stadium represented something hugely important for organisers, a very significant responsibility, and the project came with plenty of hurdles for LaFleur and his team to leap. “The main objective was to create the ultimate fan experience for everyone in the stadium, from the general spectators to the VIPs,” LaFleur continues. “But we obviously had challenges to overcome. The main one we faced during construction was the shipping of materials from Malaysia. It is a big distance for goods to travel and it was a truly complicated process - we had tight timelines with little room for delays, but we made it happen! “Something else that most people don’t know about the stadium is that the water table in that area is very high and we came up with a drainage strategy which ensures that, even in the worst rain, the pitch remains dry and playable.”
With expert planning and the knowledge of construction company Pakar Seating, Malcolm Park Beach Soccer Facility now sits proudly as a jewel in the Bahamas’ sporting crown, with locals able to see firsthand the quality of the finished product at the recent CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship. Jean Jaques Pralus, General Manager of Pakar Seating, said: “One of the main challenges and one of the things that gives this stadium a special touch is the 50-metre-wide VIP cover, with a structure that required a great engineering effort.” The CONCACAF tournament - a 16-team event, which included the hosts - brought thousands to the stadium, where they could enjoy ample VIP seating, perfect views of the action from the spectator areas and ‘the ultimate fan experience for everyone in the stadium’. “This was achieved by making the stadium the right size so that every person, no matter where they sit, can feel that they are a part of the action on the pitch,” LaFleur continues.
“Also the placement of the seating allows for proper sight lines and means everyone can have an unobstructed view of the game.
Gabino Renales, with Bahamas FA President Anton Sealey eager to focus on the stadium’s future benefits.
“This stadium is a unique construction due to the fact that it is a permanent structure and first of its kind. The construction of additional VIP lounges also makes it unique as usually there is only one VVIP lounge in beach soccer stadiums.
“The facility will transform the sporting landscape here in the Bahamas and help engender the sport of beach soccer within the country’s psyche,” he explained.
“I think it is also safe to say that it is the most attractive stadium with vibrant colours that reflect the spirit of the Bahamian people.” Combining workability and aesthetics is crucial, with the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup set to be broadcast around the world between April 27th and May 7th, while the stadium will also likely be a strong contender to hosts further events at both continental and regional level. “The local organising committee perfectly understood what a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup stadium is supposed to be, both in terms of utility and appearance,” said Beach Soccer Worldwide Event Manager
“We’ve always had the beaches and the talent within a footballing context, now we have a perfect facility that can spread the word and inspire the younger generations to give beach soccer a go.” After the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship - which helped serve as something of a warm-up event for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup - all eyes will now turn to Malcolm Park for this month´s global showpiece and there will certainly be a few envious glances from other countries’ delegations when they take in the venue. For those within the Bahamas, once the event moves on, the focus will be on ensuring maximum benefit for decades to come.
“This facility will help transform the sporting landscape in the Bahamas.”
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W
e have our teams and, following the draw in Nassau, they now know their primary opponents for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the Bahamas between April 27th and May 7th. Held in the aftermath of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship at the Hotel Atlantis in Nassau last month, the draw took place in the presence of the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, as well as FIFA Legend Emerson and Miss Bahamas Universe 2016 Cherell Williamson. With anticipation having been built with the help of the action on the sand during seven action-packed days in Nassau, the excitement was palpable as the dignitaries sorted the teams into their respective pools. Host nation Bahamas were already reserved number one spot in Group A and they will go up against 2009 runners-up Switzerland, CONMEBOL debutants Ecuador and African champions Senegal. At the time of the draw, Group B included a then-unknown competitor in the form of the AFC champions, although by the time Iran clinched the Asian title in Kuala Terengganu, they knew they would go up against African runners-up Nigeria, CONCACAF finalists Mexico and regular global challengers Italy. UAE would finish second to Iran in Malaysia and therefore face defending FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup champions Portugal as well as Paraguay and Panama. Group D - tipped by many to be the competition’s toughest - includes the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup’s most successful side Brazil as well as Tahiti, who lost out to Portugal in the 2015 final. Also bidding to progress from that tricky pool will be AFC bronze medalists Japan and European champions Poland.
QUICK ON THE DRA
THE FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP IS READY TO GO A
AW…
The excitement was palpable as dignitaries sorted teams into their respective pools.
AFTER LAST MONTH’S DRAW IN NASSAU
26 - QUARTERLY REVIEW
MOKHTARI STARS FOR
THE 2013 CHAMPIONS CLAIM BACK THE ASIAN CROWN Star man Mohammadali Mokhtari proved too hot to handle in Malaysia last month.
UNSTOPPABLE IRAN
N IN KUALA TERENGGANU
I
ran will head to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in April as Asian champions, after clinching the AFC Beach Soccer Championship in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, with relative ease. The men from Tehran surrendered the title they won in 2013 two years later in Qatar as they could only muster a third-place finish but, with tickets to the Bahamas up for grabs this time, Mohammad Mirshamsi’s side wasted little time in securing one. A comprehensive 14-0 win over Malaysia kicked things off for the eventual champions before victories against Afghanistan, China and Bahrain followed. In the three-team Group B, defending champions Oman fell short, Lebanon instead progressing as group winners. The latter claimed a dramatic last-minute 4-3 success over Oman in the group’s decisive match-up while in Group C Japan and UAE were the ones to progress. The UAE did so in first place, picking up wins over Iraq, Qatar and later Japan - Marcelo Mendes’ men required to wait nervously on the final day before progressing as the best-placed runners-up. Lebanon would be involved in another thriller come the semi-finals, this time coming up just short on penalties against UAE while Iran saw off Japan 8-6. It represents the first time Japan had failed to reach the competition’s semi-finals but they would be offered a second chance to salvage FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualification when they went up against Lebanon in the third-place play-off. It was an opportunity that Ozu Moreira and co gratefully took, beating Lebanon 6-3 with the help of an impressive virtuoso display from Goto Takasuke. The lively forward added four more goals to his haul for the competition as Lebanon fell just short, ahead of Saturday’s showpiece match-up between UAE and Iran. After both nations guaranteed FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup places, the two would go head to head for top spot in Asia with Iran going into the clash as favourites.
28 - QUARTERLY REVIEW
Amirhossein Akbari and Takasuke Goto were also impressive in Malaysia.
They led two minutes in when Moslem Mesigar turned and sent a bobbling effort past Mohamed Abdulla before goalkeeper Peyman Hosseini doubled the advantage amid a dominant start from the Group A winners. UAE steeled themselves and went close when Ali Mohammad struck the post but they fell further behind when tournament top scorer Mohammadali Mokhtari tucked away a set-piece. The UAE would continue to ask questions of Iran in the second period but a lapse in concentration allowed Mesigar to glance in Iran’s fourth unmarked after a quick throw from Hosseini. Hosseini’s opposite number Humaid Jamal then got UAE on the board with an inch-perfect strike before Haitham Mohamed bundled in his side’s second to make life awkward for Iran, only for Amir Akbari to slot in a free-kick less than a minute before the final period. The latter stages began in relatively low-key fashion - Akbari’s strike having seemingly deflated the UAE - and things were made more difficult for the men in white when Ali Nazem added a sixth. A second from Mokhtari - again from a free-kick - then sealed what proved a relatively comfortable win in the end, Iran ensuring they will head to the Bahamas as Asian champions. The challenge now for Mirshamsi’s men is to turn their continental success into FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup growth, with Iran yet to reach the final four of the global showpiece.
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32 - QUARTERLY REVIEW
The Marea Roja will feature at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup as CONCACAF Champions.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
IMPRESSIVE PANAMA STEAL THE SHOW IN BAHAMAS D The sporting world got to take a look at its FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup hosts in March when the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship landed in Nassau.
seven-day-long event kicked off with a four-group opening stage as hosts Bahamas, defending champions Mexico, USA and El Salvador progressed as group winners.
Held at the brand new, state-of-the-art National Beach Soccer Arena at Malcolm Park, locals caught a glimpse of their new stadium in action while the tournament served to find the continent’s best team and also showcase some of the world’s best beach soccer players to the region.
All but the latter did so with 100 per cent records and the four nations were then joined by Jamaica, Guadeloupe, Trinidad and Tobago and Panama, with 2009 champions El Salvador having been first into the semis.
Held amid a lively Bahamian backdrop and with capacity crowds, the
La Selecta overcame Jamaica 5-0 before Panama sprung an upset by
K...
DRESS REHEARSAL edging USA 6-4. Mexico and Guadeloupe joined them, beating Trinidad and Tobago and hosts Bahamas respectively, to set up two intriguing semi-finals.
from the spot, Julio Watson and Rafael Garcia took care of business to send their side into the final.
Panama eventually gained revenge for their group-stage defeat to El Salvador, having initially ended extra time level at 2-2 in a fiercely contested battle.
Defending champions Mexico then moved within one win of defending their title by seeing off surprise package Guadeloupe 3-0, Ramon Raya’s men made to work hard to overcome a typically spirited display from the Gaudeloupeans.
Jose Agustin Ruiz’s late equaliser kept El Salvador’s hopes of a place in the final alive but, while Jose Ruben Batres and Heber Ramos faltered
The competition’s joint-top scorer Jose Ramon Maldonado added two more to his tally, while Diego Rodriguez was also on target as the final
34 - QUARTERLY REVIEW
There were thrills and spills on show in Nassau with no shortage of drama.
was confirmed. Alongside the action on the sand, local dignitaries took time to commemorate the opening of the Malcolm Park Beach Soccer Facility with a special ceremony attended by a host of famous faces. Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas Philip Davis was present alongside Daniel Johnson, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Bahamas Football Association President Anton Sealey and LOC President Jeffrey Beckles. “It is a privilege for us to have been given the honour to host such a top-class competition as the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship now and the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup,” Mr Davis explained to guests. “These will project the name of our country. I thank FIFA and CONCACAF for their trust. The Bahamas will shine bright!” Back in the arena, Guadeloupe would miss out on a podium place, third place instead going to El Salvador thanks to their 7-2 play-off win, before the main event saw Panama try to cap an impressive tournament with silverware against their more experienced opponents. Mexico came into the clash with a 100 per cent record in CONCACAF finals but Justo Arrocha’s brace and further goals from Alfonso Maquensi and Garcia helped seal victory, sending Panama to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup as champions. Hosts Bahamas will join them, having no doubt learnt plenty about themselves at the tournament, as will Mexico, making their fifth appearance at the event.
36 - THE INTERVIEW
BEACH SOCCER: A POWERFUL PLATFORM TO STRENGTHEN THE GAME BY PHILIPPE MOGGIO, CONCACAF GENERAL SECRETARY
CONCACAF just held the 2017 Beach Soccer Championship in the National Beach Soccer Arena, a fantastic new permanent complex, the first of its kind in the Caribbean. I can still feel the enthusiasm of the teams, especially Panama’s as they lifted their first championship, and the fans´ excitement. I had the extraordinary opportunity to witness for the first time what beach soccer is, the passion, its fast-paced, dynamic style, the outstanding performance of the players and all the entertainment that surrounds this wonderful sport.
that will generate memorable and powerful experiences for our fans, players, coaches and partners. It will provide the springboard for beach soccer development throughout the Caribbean and across the CONCACAF region. Beach soccer has experienced impressive growth since its first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup held 12 years ago. Its future is bright, as demonstrated by federations like the BFA, who have added the discipline into the National Teams Programme.
I am impressed by the tremendous work of the Bahamas Football Association (BFA) to successfully organise international competitions. BFA President Anton Sealey and his team showed a great commitment to the game, and I would like to thank them for that.
The recent CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship, and the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 will increase competitiveness at both regional and global level. It will also provide an excellent opportunity to further develop our game, while stimulating tourism and economic benefits for our host nation, The Bahamas.
At CONCACAF, we are extremely proud to bring the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup to our region. As Bahamas prepares to make history as the first Caribbean country to host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, we are confident it will offer an amazing atmosphere
At CONCACAF, we are fully committed to leveraging beach soccer as a powerful platform to strengthen our game within our region. We are confident that beach soccer will continue to grow in the years to come and attract new fans into the game of football.
“I witnessed beach soccer’s passion and its fast-paced, dynamic style...”
38 - QUARTERLY REVIEW
PARAGUAY PUSH BRAZI THE HOSTS MADE LIFE DIFFICULT FOR THE EVENTUAL
A
suncion, Paraguay, was the venue for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup - CONMEBOL Qualifier in February as South America’s 10 best sides gathered to fight for the continental title. Places at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup were also up for grabs, three to be precise, with hosts Paraguay and Gilberto Costa’s Brazil the sides to earn top spot in their respective groups. Paraguay, with new coach Guga at the helm after his departure as UAE boss, kicked off with a tight 4-2 success against Bolivia before clicking into gear with dominant victories against Chile, Uruguay and Argentina. Guga’s men racked up an impressive 23 goals from their four group games, thanks largely to the contribution of star performer Pedro Moran up front. But, even with Moran in tow, Paraguay would prove no match for Gilberto’s free scoring Brazil - arguably the in-form side of 2016 with a 100 per cent record across the year. The Verdeamarela were defending champions and targeting a seventh CONMEBOL title, the holders starting as they meant to go on with a 6-2 victory against Venezuela. Wins against Colombia and Peru - 11-0 and 11-3 respectively - followed before they wrapped up top spot with another convincing success, this time 11-1 against Ecuador. 2013 champions Argentina and Ecuador were the nations given the daunting task of stopping the group winners’ impressive campaigns in their tracks, having finished runners-up with just one defeat each. When Argentina and Brazil renewed a classic South American rivalry it was the latter who ran out comfortable 7-1 winners to secure their place in the Bahamas with the help of six different scorers. Two-goal Lucas joined five team-mates in helping see
IL CLOSE IN ASUNCIÓN CHAMPIONS, FALLING JUST SHORT IN THE FINAL
Brazil proved too strong even with 3,000 devoted home fans cheering Paraguay on.
40 - QUARTERLY REVIEW
Ecuador became the 37th team to qualify for a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
off Argentina although Paraguay were given a much sterner test by in their semi against Ecuador. In fact, the Albirroja needed extra time to register a 5-3 win and move into the final, Carlos Carballo scoring twice in the fourth and final period as CONMEBOL’s first two representatives were confirmed. One ticket remained, and, as in 2015, it would be decided by a penalty shoot-out between Argentina and Ecuador. Los Amarillos were beaten at the same stage a year previously by Argentina and there was a sense of deja vu when the sides ended extra time tied at 4-4. And, while the nerves seemed to get to both sides, missing five penalties between them, Jorge Bailon converted the winning penalty to send Ecuador into their first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. The only other matter to be decided was who would head to the Bahamas as CONMEBOL champions, with Brazil finding their shooting boots once more to clinch the title. Played in front of more than 3,000 passionate home fans, a hat-trick from Bruno Xavier and a brace from Rodrigo da Costa helped Brazil to a 7-5 win over Paraguay in a typically high-scoring affair from two potent attacking teams. Even a four-goal spree from Moran failed to provide hope of silverware for Paraguay, although their gutsy display against the world’s in-form team will surely provide confidence ahead of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Ecuador too will contest their first such tournament on the crest of a wave while Brazil, having taken care of business in Asuncion, will hope to do the same in Nassau.
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LIONS OF TERANGA SPOI
NASSAU-BOUND SENEGAL PROVE A CU
In December it was the turn of Africa’s teams to claim their tickets for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 as the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations came to Lagos, Nigeria. Madagascar and Senegal represented Africa at the 2015 showpiece in Portugal and both were housed together in Group B alongside Morocco and Libya completed the pool. Hosts Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana and the Ivory Coast made up Group A. Only the winners of each of the groups would advance to the following
round. For the rest, the road to the World Cup would be over. Nigeria began with what would prove a decisive 3-2 win against Egypt, that important victory followed by a defeat on penalties to Ivory Coast and a 4-3 success against Ghana. The hosts and Egypt would need to be separated by their head-to-head record at the top of Group A - the former progressing as a result - while Senegal enjoyed a more serene passage into the semi-finals. The Lions of Teranga picked up three wins from three, including one
IL THE LAGOS PARTY
UT ABOVE IN NIGERIA
Star men Fall and Ndiaye help take the title back to Dakar.
against defending champions Madagascar, to ease into the final four where they would see off Egypt in a 5-2 success, ensuring their ticket to the Bahamas as a result. Babacar Fall, one of the best African players around, again proved crucial for his side with two goals, while Gorgui Faye, Mamadou Sylla and Lansana Diassy all added one each before hosts Nigeria racked up a similarly convincing win in their final-four clash against Morocco amid a fevered atmosphere. The Super Sand Eagles saw Emmanuel Ohwhoferia and Azeez Abu
register twice apiece in a 6-1 win against Morocco to join Senegal in the Lagos final and also the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. However, the home favourites would ultimately end on something of a sour note, coming unstuck in the final against a slick and talented Senegal side. With the score level at 4-4 going into the last 12 minutes, Sylla wrapped up his hat-trick while top scorer Fall and Hamad Diouf added goals of their own to ensure the title and spoil the party somewhat in Lagos.
44 - QUARTERLY REVIEW
Fall’s team-mate Al Seyni Ndiaye also won individual honours as he was presented with the Best Goalkeeper award while Emeke Ogbonna was crowned MVP all three likely to be key men for their sides in the Bahamas when the action starts. Ogbonna’s team-mate and Nigeria captain Isiaka Olawale - wrapped up proceedings with an optimistic outlook in a chat with FIFA.com. “All the teams we will be facing are very, very good teams,” the skipper explained. “However, and I say that with the utmost of respect to our opponents, we don’t have to overestimate anybody. “We will take each match as it comes. But we will try our very best. We have to be at our best if we want to make it through to the next round. “We have faced some of the teams before and we know that any team that has qualified for the World Cup deserves to be there.”
FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura (pictured) was left impressed...
46 - THE INTERVIEW
BETWEEN THE STICKS NIGERIA LEGEND PETER RUFAI EXTOLS THE VIRTUES OF BEACH SOCCER TRAINING FOR GOALKEEPERS IN FOOTBALL
The similarities between beach soccer and football are obvious, in all positions, but the differences are particularly noticeable when it comes to goalkeepers and their required skill sets. Obviously, the role of the goalkeeper in both disciplines includes the same basic principles - saves, distribution, organisation - but there are other areas and qualities more deeply rooted in the fabric of our game. One man who knows this more than most is Peter Rufai - the former Nigeria football captain who plied his trade in the top flights of Belgium, Netherlands and Spain across an impressive career. The 53-year-old - who featured for the Super Eagles at two World Cups - also has experience in the world of beach soccer, having played alongside former team-mates in the Nigeria legends team over recent years. Rufai watched on at the recent Copa Lagos as the Nigeria greats faced a celebrity side and the former goalkeeper explained why the next generation should head to the sand as part of their development. “Of course I’ve watched a lot of beach soccer before and it’s a sport I have a lot of respect for,” he told Beach Soccer Worldwide.
“It’s a sport that has a lot of qualities and there is a lot of excitement in the game itself. “It has a lot of sporting benefits for the participants, because, for instance, it takes a lot from the legs, it takes a lot of strength, skill, decision making and organising yourself. “There are only five players and, in a split-second, with the way the ball bounces, it’s not easy. For both outfield players and goalkeepers, focus, concentration, timing and agility is required at every single moment of the game.” So for the next generation of goalkeepers, in both sports, the message is simple: get down to the beach. “It’s really useful for 11-a-side goalkeepers because it sharpens your reflexes and makes your reactions quicker - I have discovered this from beach soccer,” added the former Deportivo, Go Ahead Eagles and Farense man. “I would absolutely recommend up-and-coming 11-a-side goalkeepers to combine their normal training with beach soccer as it will help them quickly to understand the meaning of reaction, reflection, agility, timing and that’s why I would definitely recommend it.”
“Training on sand sharpens your reflexes and your reactions.”
48 - INSIDE BEACH SOCCER
PURE GOOD VIBES LEADING T
OFFICIAL SONG REVEALED AHEAD OF THE FIFA BEACH SOCCER
O T
n 28 February, the Official Draw for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 – to be contested from 27 April to 7 May – took place in Nassau, the country’s capital. hat day, the participating nations found out their fates for the group stage of the competition, but that wasn´t all that was revealed to the world. Another highlight of the event was the launch of Pure Good Vibes, the Official Song of a tournament that is sure to hit all the right notes, both on and off the sand. “I think the song captures that feeling of being in the stadium,” said Rick Carey, the artist behind the song. “It’s the vibe I get from thinking about people coming from all over the world just to share that moment of camaraderie, friendship and sport. A moment like that can only be full of pure good vibes.” The song’s bouncy, cheerful tone is no coincidence: the Bahamas is a fun-loving country where smiles and laughter are always in plentiful supply.
TO BAHAMAS!
R WORLD CUP BAHAMAS 2017
Learn the lyrics!
PURE, GOOD VIBES I’M PICTURING PEOPLE COMING TOGETHER FROM EVERYWHERE THIS IS THE PLACE I WANNA BE CAUSE OF THE LOVE IN THE ATMOSPHERE CAUSE WHEN PEOPLE GET TOGETHER FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD LET THE PARTY BEGIN JUST LET THE PARTY BEGIN I SAY WHEN PEOPLE GET TOGETHER FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD LET THE PARTY BEGIN JUST LET THE PARTY BEGIN NOW GET YOUR HANDS UP IN THE AIR GET YOUR FLAGS UP NOW AND EVERYBODY EVERYWHERE WE GA JUMP UP AROUND FEEL THE LOVE AND THE VIBES EVERYONE COME ALIVE LET’S PARTY OH WHAT A FEELING TO BE IN A PLACE WE CAN BE FREE JUST TAKE ONE LOOK AROUND IT’S NOTHING BUT PURE VIBES I’M TALKING ‘BOUT GOOD VIBES CHANT WE’RE GONNA GO FOR THIS MOMENT WE’RE GONNA LIVE LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW EVERYONE’S GONNA BE HERE NOW TELL ME HOW ABOUT YOU CAUSE WHEN PEOPLE GET TOGETHER FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD LET THE PARTY BEGIN JUST LET THE PARTY BEGIN I SAY WHEN PEOPLE GET TOGETHER FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD LET THE PARTY BEGIN JUST LET THE PARTY BEGIN NOW GET YOUR HANDS UP IN THE AIR GET YOUR FLAGS UP NOW AND EVERYBODY EVERYWHERE WE GA JUMP UP AROUND FEEL THE LOVE AND THE VIBES EVERYONE COME ALIVE LET’S PARTY OH WHAT A FEELING TO BE IN A PLACE WE CAN BE FREE JUST TAKE ONE LOOK AROUND IT’S NOTHING BUT PURE VIBES I’M TALKING ‘BOUT GOOD VIBES CHANT OH WHAT A FEELING TO BE IN A PLACE WE CAN BE FREE JUST TAKE ONE LOOK AROUND NOW GET YOUR HANDS UP IN THE AIR GET YOUR FLAGS UP NOW AND EVERYBODY EVERYWHERE WE GA JUMP UP AROUND FEEL THE LOVE AND THE VIBES EVERYONE COME ALIVE LET’S PARTY
Singer Rik Carey: “The song captures the feeling of being in the stadium.”
OH WHAT A FEELING TO BE IN A PLACE WE CAN BE FREE JUST TAKE ONE LOOK AROUND IT’S NOTHING BUT PURE VIBES I’M TALKING ‘BOUT GOOD VIBES (REPEAT) CHANT TO END WRITTEN BY: Patrick Andre Carey Alia Coley Frederick Ferguson © (p) BMI, PRS 2017
50 - PREVIEW
BIGGER AND BET THE EURO BEACH SOCCER LEAGUE 2017
T
he Euro Beach Soccer League (EBSL) returns for its 20th edition this year, complete with two extra regular stages.
The tournament has headed to the Russian capital regularly over the past decade and the four-time champions will take on Belarus, Switzerland and Greece on home sand this time around.
Belgrade will host its first EBSL stage between June 23rd and 25th, having been the setting for the Euro Beach Soccer Cup last year, as Russia, Spain, Germany and France contest Division A, Group One.
Siofok, Hungary, then assumes hosting duties for a fourth year running for the penultimate normal stage.
Division B will include home nation Serbia along with three rivals, before the competition heads to Spain for another year.
Between 11th and 13th August, Portugal, Belarus, Poland and Azerbaijan contest Division A, Group One alongside four teams in Division B.
Holders Ukraine join the party in Sanxenxo, Spain, between July 7th and 9th, facing home nation Spain, European champions Poland and Greece in Group One.
The final leg of the regular stage will take place in WarnemĂźnde, northern Germany, where the final positions will be confirmed.
Division A, Group Two will feature current world champions Portugal, Italy, Switzerland and France, before the compeition moves to Moscow.
Holders Ukraine, Italy, Germany and Azerbaijan are among the Division A teams competing along with four more in the second tier. The fifth leg runs from August 25th to 27th and four days later, the
TTER THAN EVER
Six stages are planned for a bumper 20th edition of the EBSL.
Superfinal and Promotion Final will take place in an as yet unconfirmed location. Between August 31st and September 3rd, the overall EBSL champions will be crowned while the winner of the second-tier final will secure promotion to Division A.
Stage One - Belgrade, Serbia (23 - 25 June 2017) Division A - Group One: Russia, Spain, Germany, France Division B: Four teams TBC rd
th
Stage Two - Sanxenxo, Spain (7 - 9 July 2017) Division A - Group One: Ukraine, Spain, Poland, Greece Division A - Group Two: Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, France th
th
Stage Three - Moscow, Russia (28th - 30th July 2017) Division A - Grop One: Russia, Belarus, Switzerland, Greece Division B: Four teams TBC Stage Four - Siofok, Hungary (11th - 13th August) Division A - Group One: Portugal, Belarus, Poland, Azerbaijan Division B: Four teams TBC Stage Five - Warnamunde, Germany (25th - 27th August) Division A - Group One: Ukraine, Italy, Germany, Azerbaijan Division B: Four teams TBC Superfinal & Promotion Final (31st August - 3rd September 2017) Top seven of EBSL Division A + host country Winners of each EBSL Division B stages (+3 best runner-up) + 12th in Division A
52 - INSIDE BEACH SOCCER
ITALY HOTSHOT GABRIELE GORI:
“WE ARE READY TO FIGHT FOR THE WORLD CUP”
By Gabriele Noli Last year was an unforgettable year for Gabriele Gori. The Italian star netted 91 goals, clinched three trophies with Viareggio (the Euro Winners Cup, the Coppa Italia and Serie A), finished as the top scorer in four different competitions and was one of the three nominees for the Beach Soccer Player of the Year Award.
How did you feel when you got to know you were one of the nominees for the Beach Soccer Player of the Year Award? I was absolutely shocked, at the beginning. Looking at the picture that showed me together with huge players such as Madjer and [Switzerland forward Dejan] Stankovic, made me feel really proud.
Portugal star Madjer - the sport´s best player in 2015 and 2016 - is one of his many admirers, noting recently: “He is a player with huge potential. I like him because of his attitude.”
In January you were voted the Azzurri’s player of the year for 2016. How does it feel to win the same award once received by Gianluigi Buffon? (Laughs) One day I will be able to say I won the same award as him. Well, I feel I am starting to collect the fruit of the efforts I have been putting into beach soccer since 2010.
And 2017 has seen a great start for Gabri too, as he was voted Pallone Azzurro by the Italian fans, and his objective for this year is clearly set: The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Was 2016 the best year of your career? Yes, it certainly was. Every award that I win brings me a great satisfaction, as they are rewards for my devoted and passionate work. I know that I always give everything for my team and that I made my contribution to the collective success of my teams. I would say, without a doubt, that 2016 was the most rewarding season in my career. You contributed 54 goals to Viareggio’s successes, as well… what is your secret? We have been playing together for many years. Our group is closeknit. The head coach, Stefano Santini, helped us to become a great team in which we also had terrific players such as Ozu Moreira and many others.
You have scored 161 goals with Italy. Do you remember the first one? Of course I do! We played a friendly match against Hungary, in a competition called Trofeo Crescentini. We won 5-0 and I scored two goals - the first one with my right foot. I am not obsessed with records, but I like to remember them sometimes. Can Italy win the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup? Sure! My teammates and I will try our best to clinch the title, although we already know it will be a very tough thing to do. The level is very high as everybody could see in the last few editions, but we have grown a lot in these last seasons and we feel ready to take on any team. In 2015, Italy reached the semi-finals, and that loss to Tahiti in the penalty-kick shootout still hurts, although in that game I scored my 100th goal for the Azzurra.
“The loss to Tahiti on penalties still hurts.�
54 - PREVIEW
NAZARÉ
A NEW HOME FOR A EURO WINNERS CU
A NEW UP
T
he Euro Winners Cup will head to a new destination this year, with the Portuguese coastal resort of Nazaré set to become the centre of European beach soccer between May 29th and June 4th. After three successful years in Italy (San Benedetto del Tronto, where the competition saw its maiden edition, and Catania) the biggest beach soccer club event travels to the coast of Portugal with an agreement signed recently by Nazaré Mayor, Walter Chicharro, Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) Executive Vice-President, Joan Cuscó, and BSWW Deputy Vice-President, Gabino Renales, at BSWW’s headquarters in Barcelona. The annual competition sees the best teams, both male and female, from across Europe do battle to be crowned continental champions, with this year’s event including preliminary rounds between May 26th and 28th, for some additional berths in the main competition, making it the biggest Euro Winners Cup to date. The preliminary round will offer other teams who did not qualify via their national league the chance to secure further spots and therefore participate in the competition proper. Those competing in Nazaré will encounter one of Portugal’s true gems and, while the area is famed for its surfing and stunning coastline, beach soccer will become the talk of the town when the continent’s best teams and players go head to head. Situated around 100 kilometres north of the capital Lisbon, when the action gets underway at the beautful Praia da Nazaré in the stunning Central Region of Portugal, the Euro Winners Cup 2017 will once again be the pinnacle of European club beach soccer and Mayor Chicharro is eagerly anticipating the event. “The possibility to host the biggest international beach soccer clubs event is a great satisfaction for us, specially in a discipline where Nazaré has always had a great tradition, including twelve players that are or have been part of the Portuguese National Team,” he said. “No doubt, it will be a great sports festival, at the same time it will mean an excellent international promotion for Nazaré and a huge economic boost for the whole region,” he said. Cuscó added: “The Euro Winners Cup is a key component in our calendar and we’re delighted to be heading to Nazaré for this year’s event. “Nazaré is a great spot in Portugal, one of beach soccer’s most important destinations, home to the defending FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup champions. “Teams always show great enthusiasm when it comes to competing at this tournament and, with the women’s competition being held for a second year, it’s something we’re all hugely looking forward to.”
For queries regarding hotel accommodation or other information, teams should contact Nazaré Tourism Office (cristina.luz@cm-nazare.pt) at their earliest convenience.
56 - INSIDE BEACH SOCCER
W
hile the action has come thick and fast across the world over the past few months, our sport has also been spreading joy via The Beach Soccer Foundation. The Foundation, often with help from a series of important partners, has been busy of late, putting on special clinics and matches in Brazil and the Bahamas since the turn of the year. First up, was the Clasico Especial, held alongside the Campeanato Brasileiro de Clubes at the Praia do Gonzago, Santos, in January. The match was the first beach soccer game to be contested by down syndrome athletes as Santos went head to head with Corinthians in a contest that marked a new chapter for our sport and created extra special memories for those taking part.
Santos was very much the home of beach soccer around the turn of the year with the Copa Libertadores swiftly following in Sao Paulo. And the stadium at the Praia de Gonzago not only welcomed the continent’s nine best clubs over a seven-day period, it witnessed a special contest between handicapped athletes representing teams from Associação Esportiva e Desportiva de Praia Grande AEDPG and Corinthians. The latter would ultimately run out 5-1 winners but the match itself proved a big victory for the sport, with the players all smiles come the final whistle. Happiness and joy were also themes of The Beach Soccer Foundation Clinic in Nassau during the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship as local youngsters headed down to Malcolm Park to enjoy a unique morning on the sand.
Upwards of 20 B players from the States for passin Caribbean sunsh
Cheryl Newell Manager - summ had an awesom players and feel
“It was a great m Soccer Foundati
With plenty of c there are sure to taking place aro
LAYING STRONG FOUNDAT
Bahamian kids and young adults joined e Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago and the United ng drills, shooting exercises and matches in the hine.
The Bahamas Down Syndrome and Friends med up proceedings, saying: “The children me time interacting with the professional ling the sand on their toes.
moment for them. I want to thank The Beach ion for such a fabulous initiative.�
competitions already booked into the calendar, o be many more special events like these ound the world in the near future.
TIONS...
58 - QUARTERLY REVIEW
BREAKING NEW GRO THE COPA LIBERTADORES FUTBOL PLAYA
F
ollowing the success of the Copa America Futbol Playa in Santos, the Sao Paolo city once again demonstrated its hosting credentials when it staged the inaugural Copa Libertadores Futbol Playa in January. Featuring the national champions of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Paraguay, Colombia, Uruguay, Bolivia and Venezuela, the tournament brought together South America’s best clubs and players for seven days of top-class beach soccer. Vasco da Gama set the early pace in the group stages, claiming maximum points from their clashes with Deportes Iquique, Club Malvin, Hamacas FC and Real Academia. With the Brazilian champions assured top spot in Group A, all eyes turned to Group B with Club Atletico Rosario Central doing enough to top their pool. Rosario of Argentina bounced back from an early 5-4 defeat to Punta Hermosa to beat Santa Marta and Club Nautico Puerta del Lago - moving into the semis alongside Vasco in the process. Iquique and Punta Hermosa were the sides to fall in the final four - going down to Rosario and Vasco respectively - while Malvin and Club Nautico clinched the play-offs for seventh and fifth place. Fans then flocked to the Praia do Gonzaga for a final that would turn out to be a somewhat one-sided affair. Rosario could do little to stop their Brazilian counterparts as MVP Mauricinho and top scorer Bokinha ran riot with a hat-trick apiece to help wrap up an 8-1 victory. With many of the Vasco side having been in international action for Brazil at the Copa America weeks earlier, the form of many of the country’s players is looking promising ahead of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
OUND
Brazilians Vasco da Gama added another title to their collection.
60 - QUARTERLY REVIEW
BRAZIL MAINTAIN THAT WINNING FEELING... THE COPA AMERICA FÚTBOL PLAYA IS THE LATEST VERD T
he Copa America Futbol Playa landed in Santos, Brazil, late last year with the hosts looking to cap a stellar campaign with further silverware on home soil. Gilberto Costa’s side had already claimed titles at the Mundialito in Cascais as well as the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup in Dubai, sending out ominous signs to their rivals ahead of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in April and May. Ten South American nations came together for the Copa America in Santos, with Brazil racking up victories against Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina to set the benchmark in Group A, conceding just eight goals in the process. In Group B, things proved a little tighter, with Paraguay, Venezuela, Peru and Colombia all taking points off one another. Ultimately, Ecuador were the ones to prop up the table despite victory over Venezuela, who finished runners-up behind group winners Paraguay. Following five days of group action, all would be settled on the Sunday, with Ecuador easing to an 11-5 win against Argentina early on to tie up ninth place before Bolivia and Chile edged Colombia and Peru to claim seventh and fifth respectively. Venezuela’s clash with Uruguay also proved a closefought affair as tournament top scorer Alexander Vaamonde registered his final goal of the competition with 13 seconds left to ensure his side third place. Then came the main event as Paraguay stepped up to try and stop what had become an unstoppable Verdeamarela machine. However, Brazil moved swiftly ahead and were rarely troubled over the course of the 36 minutes. Orlando Zayas scored both of Paraguay’s goals but Datinha’s hat-trick alongside braces from team-mates Bokinha, Bruno Xavier and Mauricinho ensured a dominant 12-2 success for Brazil - maintaining their 100 per cent record for the year.
T
DEAMARELA TITLE
Brazil’s success continued in Santos as they added fresh silverware to their trophy cabinet.
62 - FUELLED
WHAT TO EAT AFTER A GAME…
TWENTY-FOUR HOURS TO REFILL THE TANK
By Lautaro N. Arborelo Lautaro N. Arborelo is a qualified, professional nutrionist who has worked for FC Barcelona beach soccer team and other sports for a number of years.
More often than not, during beach soccer events, the match schedule offers precious little time for athletes to rest, with games often played every day. That is why it is key to ensure we recover that lost energy with an appropriate diet. During those 24 hours, or sometimes less, between games we need to refill our glycogen deposits, as well as the vitamin and mineral reserves, and this is largely achieved with the help of carbohydrates. Whether that comes in liquid or solid form isn’t of great importance - what is more of a priority is that those food stuffs have a high glycemic index and can therefore be quickly absorbed by our body. Some of those include: cereals, rice, bread, pasta, potatoes, fruits and juices, sugar and honey. Besides carbohydrates, the consumption of proteins is also important, with foods such as eggs, lactic products, meat, fish, walnuts, legumes, tofu and soy all helpful. Combining proteins and carbohydrates is the smartest way to recharge your batteries once you get back from the sand. Think milk and cereal, yogurt and fruit, veggies and a ham sandwich, etc. Be imaginative! Don’t forget vitamins and minerals Besides the carbohydrates and the proteins, it is also important to look for vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help greatly in the battle to protect our body against exhaustion. Fruit, veg, legumes and oils with unsaturated fatty acids like olive oil are our friends here. And always remember… stay hydrated!
Be imaginative... combine proteins and carbohydrates for a faster recovery.
64 - FROM THE ARCHIVES
EUSEBIO: A BEACH SOCCER FAN
The Portuguese football legend hands the Euro Beach Soccer Cup 2004 trophy to Portugal captain Hernani.
66 - BEACH SOCCER STORE
PRICES INCLUDE TAXES
68 - FAN PICS
FAN PICS
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70 - BEACH SOCCER TV
MUST WATCH ON
Watch Now!
BEST MOMENTS CONCACAF BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP BAHAMAS 2017 Nassau got a taste of what´s to come when the region´s best sides competed in February. Recap the action with us!
Watch Now!
CLINIC WITH AL NOOR CENTRE Some of the stars of the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup took time out to put on a skills clinic for local disabled youngsters in Dubai.
Watch Now!
TOP 5 GOALS ELIMINATORIAS CONMEBOL Asunción was the place to be for goals in February and we´ve done you a favour by putting together the best five. Take a look and see if you agree with us!
Watch Now! BEST MOMENTS CAF AFRICA BEACH SOCCER CUP OF NATIONS One of the regular stops on the beach soccer calendar, Lagos never disappoints. Find out why by taking a look at the event´s best moments.
Watch Now! CHEERLEADER CASTING The beach soccer cheerleaders recruited some local Bahamian dancers for an amazing spectacle that will be revealed during the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup! Take a look at how the recruitment casting worked.
72 -
NOEL OTT & SANDRO “SPACCA” (SUI) Switzerland, it´s more than just clocks and Toberlone, you know! Noel and Sandro are two of their country´s top talents.
MARTA PLASENCIA (ESP) Marta, an accredited physical education and dance teacher from Tenerife, will be one of the dancers rocking the party at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017
74 - COMING UP
APRIL 27th - MAY 7th FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP BAHAMAS 2017 The biggest and best beach soccer showpiece lands in The Bahamas for its ninth edition next month. The excellent Nassau National Beach Soccer Arena is ready to host what promises to be a thrilling event, featuring the sixteen national teams who successfully negotiated demanding qualifying rounds across the six different confederations. Portugal will need to be at their best as they try to retain their global crown, with a host of other nations seeking to wrestle the title from them, including the hosts and fellow FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup new boys Ecuador and Panama. The world’s best beach soccer teams and the Bahamas, can you think of a better combination?
APRIL 13th - 15th COPA PILSENER FÚTBOL PLAYA EL SALVADOR 2017 The Costa del Sol gets ready for one of the best events in the calendar, featuring the hosts, FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup runnersup Tahiti, CONCACAF champs Panama and Nassau newbies Ecuador.
The Bahamas will be the centre of the beach soccer universe over the coming weeks, but the sport barely stops for breath after the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup‌
MAY 19th - 21st
MAY 29th - JUNE 4th
BSWW TOUR - SAL BEACH SOCCER CUP 2017
EURO WINNERS CUP NAZARÉ 2017
Following a successful maiden edition in 2016, the spotlight again turns to Santa Maria Beach, as world champions Portugal, England, Germany and, of course, the hosts vie for the cup.
The fourth edition of the European club competition leaves Italy and lands in the Portuguese resort with a renewed format that ensures the highest number of participants to date.
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