August 31 – Russia won a third world crown on the sand after defeating tournament surprise package Japan 5-2 in the final of the Beach Soccer World Cup in Moscow.
Russia, participating in the finals as Team RFU because of a ban from international sporting competitions over a doping scandal, dominated the tournament following previous triumphs in 2011 and 2013.
Fedor Zemskov opened the score with a spectacular bicycle kick and Russia led the match from start to finish, capitalising in the later stages of the final on defensive mistakes by the Japanese to grow their lead and secure victory. Russia have a perfect record in the three finals they have played in.
The Russians and Japanese had met in the first round when Team RFU hammered their opponents 7-1. Both teams however progressed to the knockout stages with Team RFU eliminating Spain and Switzerland en route to the final. Japan saw off Tahiti and Senegal to became the first Asian country to achieve a podium finish.
Switzerland claimed bronze after defeating Senegal in the third-place playoff 9-7 with tournament top scorer Glenn Hodel scoring a brace. In 2009, the Swiss achieved their best result reaching the final.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CAF president Patrice Motsepe both attended the final. Fatma Samoura represented the senior leadership of FIFA for much of the tournament, diligently tweeting match updates.
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