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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
