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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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Heavyweights set to square off

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 11:52:00 GMT

Tournament favourites Brazil are back in action against Mexico on Sunday after their scare against Ukraine, while European heavyweights Russia face an intriguing test against Tahiti.

Close shave for Brazil, Tahiti on target

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:15:00 GMT

Ukraine came close to ending Brazil’s lengthy unbeaten FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup run, while new boys Tahiti won their first ever game in the competition.

Brazil clinch shoot-out win over Ukraine

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:42:00 GMT

Brazil were made to wait for victory as they laboured to defeat Ukraine at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, seeing off their opponents 2-1 on penalties.

Jorginho just happy to be here

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:54:00 GMT

One of the biggest names in the history of Brazilian beach soccer, Jorginho spoke about his thrill at playing at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011 at the age of 36.

Clash of the champions

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:58:00 GMT

The second matchday features opening games for holders Brazil, Ukraine, Mexico and Japan, all winners of their respective continental qualifying campaigns.

Squad lists announced for Ravenna

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:09:00 GMT

The 16 teams aiming for glory at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna/Italy 2011 have announced their 12-man squads for the September showpiece.

Numbers in the sand

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:32:00 GMT

With the sixth edition less than a week away, FIFA.com brings you some of the most fascinating stats in the history of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.