February 25 – Brazil defeated Italy 6-4 in the final of the Beach Soccer World Cup on Sunday in the United Arab Emirates to win a record-sixth crown on the sand.
The South Americans applied all their experience and mettle to come from behind and prevail over the Italians in an action-packed final.
Striker Rodrigo scored three goals to engineer the comeback and was involved in the sending-off of Italian goalkeeper Casapieri. In the semi-finals, Brazil had also fallen behind against Iran before winning 3-2.
“It’s a wonderful feeling, it’s great to remember the pleasure of winning the World Cup, it’s my second,” said Rodrigo. “I just have to thank everyone who supported us here and in Brazil. CBF, we’re arriving. Now we’ve given the federation a nice problem: where to fit the sixth star on this shirt!”
It’s the sixth time that Brazil have triumphed in the Beach Soccer World Cup, having won the title in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2017. Russia have won the competition thrice and Portugal twice. Italy’s Josep Gentilin won the competition’s golden ball, Brazil’s Mauricinho got the silver ball and Belarus’s Bryshtsel the bronze ball.
In the third-place playoff, Iran clinched the bronze medal with a resounding 6-1 victory, including three bicycle kick goals, over Belarus.
Next year, Seychelles will host the 2025 edition of the tournament in May with matches taking place in the capital Victoria. It will be the first time that Africa has welcomed the Beach Soccer World Cup.
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