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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
