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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Warriors live the dream

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:50:00 GMT

Tahiti’s player-coach Teva Zaveroni told FIFA.com about his team’s emotional winning debut at Ravenna 2011 against fellow newcomers Venezuela.

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.

Russia start strongly

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:39:00 GMT

After winning the Euro Beach Soccer League Superfinal last month, Russia got off to the best possible start in Ravenna, defeating Nigeria 8-4.

Onus on Olawale as Eagles dream

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:59:00 GMT

The all-round attacking prowess of Isiaka Olawale will be key to Nigeria’s prospects at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. FIFA.com spoke to the player ahead of the big kick-off.

Russia’s safe pair of hands

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 08:33:00 GMT

Russia goalkeeper Andrey Bukhlitskiy, who set a new record at the finals three years ago, spoke to FIFA.com about carving out a piece of history on the cusp of the 2011 Beach Soccer finals.

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.

Tahiti excited by 2013 dry run

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:42:00 GMT

Tahiti’s player-coach Teva Zaveroni speaks to FIFA.com about his side's surprise qualification for Ravenna 2011 and looks forward to hosting the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in two years' time.

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.