FIFA.com - FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna/Italy 2011 - News

Tactical revolution unseats Brazil

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMT

More evenly contested than some of its predecessors, the sixth FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup proved an engrossing event, ending with the tactically astute Russians deposing mighty Brazil.

Russia’s well-oiled machine

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:32:00 GMT

Newly crowned beach kings Russia showed in the final that their success is built around excellent link-up play and all-round players capable of defending, attacking and scoring with equal aplomb.

Leonov, Russia’s golden captain

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:19:00 GMT

Renowned for their teamwork, new world champions Russia were also indebted to the individual brilliance of captain Ilya Leonov, the winner of the adidas Golden Ball.

Personal triumph for Russian pair

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 19:54:00 GMT

Russia swept to glory at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011, and picked up two prestigious individual honours too. FIFA.com reviews the end-of-tournament accolades.

Russia dethrone Brazil as beach kings

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:49:00 GMT

There was no stopping Russia as they blazed a perfect trail into the Final, where they pummelled former champions Brazil 12-8 to be crowned world champions at Ravenna/Italy 2011.

Portugal secure another third place

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 16:59:00 GMT

In a much more even contest than their group stage encounter, Portugal overcame El Salvador 3-2 to ensure another FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup third-placed finish.

Makarov: We want to win

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 20:11:00 GMT

On the eve of his side’s date with destiny at Ravenna/Italy 2011, burly Russian defender Alexey Makarov spoke to FIFA.com about their strong suits: a solid line-up and confidence.

Sidney, Brazil's unsung hero

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:49:00 GMT

The hero of Brazil’s semi-final win against Portugal, Sidney is one of those players happy to fulfil whatever role his coach decides to give him and FIFA.com spoke to the versatile No7.

Holders braced for Russian threat

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:30:00 GMT

The final of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna/Italy 2011 pits the tactically astute Russians against four-time world champions Brazil, the biggest entertainers in the game.

Battle for consolation and pride

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:29:00 GMT

El Salvador and Portugal previously met in the group stage with the Iberians taking an 11-2 upperhand, but now the two sides meet again at Ravenna/Italy 2011 in the match for third place.

Brazil beat Portugal to book fifth Final

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 18:32:00 GMT

Brazil saw off classic rivals Portugal for the fourth time in five meetings, clinching a 4-1 victory at Ravenna/Italy 2011 to book a place in the Final alongside Russia.

Russia reach first-ever Final

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:58:00 GMT

Russia put an end to El Salvador's magical run to reach their first-ever FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Final with a 7-3 victory over the Central Americans.

Meet the Ravenna showstoppers

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:28:00 GMT

The dazzling routines of the Beach Babes cheerleaders have been keeping the fans entertained between periods at Ravenna/Italy 2011. FIFA.com found out more about them.

Cool-headed Andre's calm approach

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:36:00 GMT

One of the most undemonstrative players on display at Ravenna/Italy 2011, Brazil striker Andre would go almost unnoticed were it not for his ability to perform under pressure.

Torres thriving under pressure

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:14:00 GMT

When Portugal were forced into penalties against Senegal, the onerous responsibility of the first spot-kick did not fall on superstars Madjer or Belchior, but to the limelight-shy Torres.

Inspirational Leonov's trophy target

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:08:00 GMT

Russia are through to the semi-finals for the first time, but captain Ilya Leonov regards the match as simply another step on the road to glory, as he told FIFA.com.

Old adversaries lock horns again

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:31:00 GMT

No FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup would be complete without Portugal and Brazil meeting in a knockout tie. The sides face off on Saturday for the sixth world finals running.

El Salvador eye another upset

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:07:00 GMT

Russia may be heavy favourites against El Salvador, but the Central American underdogs cannot be written off after a string of shock results in Ravenna so far.

Salvadorans find winning rhythm

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:34:00 GMT

After watching his side slump to an 11-2 opening-day defeat by Portugal, El Salvador coach Rudis Gonzalez gave his players a dressing-down that has worked beyond all expectations.

Italian sorrow on the sand

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:16:00 GMT

Hosts Italy have been reflecting on the reasons for their shock quarter-final exit to dark horses El Salvador, with injuries, suspensions and over-confidence all possible factors.

El Salvador shock Italy as favourites toil

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:21:00 GMT

El Salvador sent hosts Italy crashing out at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, while Brazil clinched a dramatic extra-time win over Nigeria, and Portugal and Russia also won their respective last-eight matches.

Brazil outlast brave Nigerians

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:22:00 GMT

Brazil had to endure a stiff test in their quarter-final against Nigeria, beating the Beach Eagles 10-8 in extra-time to the reach the last four of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011 in Ravenna.

Velasquez stars as Italy crash out

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:56:00 GMT

El Salvador secured an unlikely and historic place in the semi-finals at Ravenna/Italy 2011, sending hosts Italy crashing out at the quarter-final stage with a dramatic extra-time win.

Madjer and co labour to semis

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:27:00 GMT

Heavy favourites Portugal needed a penalty shoot-out to send Senegal packing and book their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Russia down Mexico to reach semis

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:25:00 GMT

A dominant second period helped the reigning Euro Beach Soccer League champions win 5-3 to set up a last-four meeting with Italy or El Salvador.

Practice makes perfect for Mao

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:02:00 GMT

The winner of the adidas Golden Glove at Dubai 2009, Brazil keeper Mao has been honing his prodigious skills with a taxing training routine. FIFA.com found out more.

Marinho, Portugal's rock at the back

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:40:00 GMT

Though Portugal’s attacking trio of Madjer, Belchior and Alan usually grab all the headlines, Marinho’s sturdy presence in defence helps make everything possible.

Four hands safer than two for Mexico

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:31:00 GMT

Mexico goalkeeper Hector Robles and his understudy Miguel Estrada doubled up on Tuesday to see their side into the last eight. FIFA.com spoke to the duo about their one-two punch.

Stunning shots from the sand

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:24:00 GMT

For six days in a row, Ravenna has enjoyed sunshine, fans of every nationality living it up in the Stadio del Mare and, last but definitely not least, excitement and spectacular beach soccer action, FIFA.com brings you the best images from the first phase.

Corosiniti keeping his eye on goal

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:31:00 GMT

After his crucial strike in the opener against Iran, Francesco Corosiniti bagged a brace against Switzerland to take Italy into the last eight at Ravenna 2011.

Last eight on the beach

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:21:00 GMT

The 24 group-phase matches have cut the 16-team field neatly in half, with testing quarter-finals now awaiting fancied trio Brazil, Portugal and Russia, as well as hosts Italy.

And then there were eight…

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 20:22:00 GMT

Mexico and Nigeria joined Brazil and Russia in the quarter-finals at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011 after a day packed with incident and drama.

Nigeria through as Tahiti tumble

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:57:00 GMT

Nigeria kept up their nerve in a do-or-die final match of Group C at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, beating Tahiti 4-1 to move on to the quarter-finals.

Sluggish Brazil edge Japan

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:27:00 GMT

Brazil opened their final group phase match at Ravenna/Italy 2011 at a snail's pace, but after twice going down a goal edged past Japan 3-2 to seal all three points.

Shishin leads Russian rout

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:03:00 GMT

Russia, who were already assured of top spot in the 2011 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup's Group C, finished with aplomb as they beat eliminated Venezuela 7-3 in Ravenna.

Mexico sneak through, eliminate Ukraine

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:36:00 GMT

Following a 1-1 draw, Mexico survived a major scare to beat European outfit Ukraine on penalties and reach the quarter-finals of the 2011 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Ravenna, Italy.

Schirinzi: We're hugely disappointed

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:24:00 GMT

After watching his side crash out of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011 at the first hurdle, the Switzerland coach spoke to FIFA.com about the reasons why.

Steep learning curve for ambitious Oman

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:23:00 GMT

Despite losing all three of their group games, Oman made sure their maiden FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearance was an enriching one.

Salvadorans make mark as hosts rejoice

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:37:00 GMT

Hosts Italy are through to the quarter-finals, where they are joined by Senegal and surprise package El Salvador. FIFA.com reviews another thrilling day in Ravenna.

El Salvador clinch historic last-eight berth

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:05:00 GMT

El Salvador clinched a first-ever appearance in the quarter-finals at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, defeating Argentina 4-3 in a do-or-die match.

Italy stay perfect to send Swiss home

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT

Italy finished perfect in Group A and are through to the quarter-finals at Ravenna/Italy 2011, sending Switzerland home with a 3-2 victory at Stadio del Mare.

Madjer’s beach boys stroll

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:07:00 GMT

Portugal finished their Group B account at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Ravenna, Italy with another emphatic win, this time an 8-3 result over struggling Oman.

Senegal sink Iran to qualify

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 15:33:00 GMT

Ndiaga Mbaye scored twice as Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup with a dramatic 5-3 win over Iran.

Ramos: I'll be defending Japan

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 15:09:00 GMT

Japan coach Ruy Ramos may hail from Rio de Janeiro, but there is no question of him having divided loyalties when his side takes on Brazil on Tuesday.

Nigeria's high-flier hungry for more

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:57:00 GMT

With his two goals and acrobatic celebrations, Victor Tale was the undoubted star of Nigeria's victory over Venezuela. FIFA.com caught up with the 21-year-old.

All or nothing for final-day quartet

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:14:00 GMT

The final day of group games at Ravenna/Italy 2011 features two all-or-nothing crunch matches between Ukraine-Mexico and Tahiti-Nigeria, with only the winners able to progress.

Brazil, Russia show their strength

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:19:00 GMT

Brazil and Russia won through to the last eight of Ravenna/Italy 2011 on Sunday, with four teams still in the mix for the remaining qualifying slots from Groups C and D.

Russia sweep five past Tahiti

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 19:57:00 GMT

Russia moved on to six points in Group C, firing five unanswered goals past Tahiti, four of which came in the third period, at a rain-soaked Stadio del Mare.

Brazil through with win over Mexico

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:33:00 GMT

Brazil cemented their place in the quarter-finals alongside Portugal at Ravenna/Italy 2011 with a 5-2 victory over Mexico, who still face a stiff test against Ukraine to seal their fate.

Nigeria edge out Venezuela

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 17:02:00 GMT

Isiaka Olawale and Victor Tale each scored twice as Nigeria recorded a 5-3 victory over Venezuela to give themselves a real chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

High-flying Portugal keen to impress

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 16:31:00 GMT

As Portugal have been turning heads in Ravenna with their sharp finishing and beguiling interplay, FIFA.com spoke to the likes of Madjer and Belchior to find out what makes Ze Miguel’s men tick.