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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
| Goalkeepers | |
| 1 | Simone DEL MESTRE |
| 12 | Stefano SPADA |
| Defenders | |
| 2 | Matteo MARRUCCI |
| 3 | Dario RAMACCIOTTI |
| 4 | Michele LEGHISSA |
| Pivot | |
| 5 | Simone FEUDI |
| 6 | Franco PALMA |
| 7 | Sacha DI TULLIO |
| 8 | Francesco COROSINITI |
| Wing | |
| 9 | Giuseppe SORIA |
| 10 | Gabriele GORI |
| 11 | Paolo PALMACCI |
| Coach | |
| ESPOSITO Massimiliano | |
