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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Goalkeepers | |
| 1 | Andrey BUKHLITSKIY |
| 12 | Alexander FILIMONOV |
| Defenders | |
| 2 | Yury GORCHINSKIY |
| 3 | Roman ZAIKIN |
| 4 | Alexey MAKAROV |
| 5 | Yury KRASHENINNIKOV |
| 7 | Anton SHKARIN |
| 8 | Ilya LEONOV |
| 10 | Artur PAPOROTNYY |
| Pivot | |
| 9 | Egor SHAYKOV |
| 11 | Egor EREMEEV |
| Wing | |
| 6 | Dmitry SHISHIN |
| Coach | |
| LIKHACHEV Mikhail | |
