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.
Back on top of the world, Brazil will probably put their
performance in last year's competition down to an aberration;
the kind of wild upset that happens from time to time. Having
surrendered their global crown to Portugal in 2001 and France in
2005, the Auriverde set the record straight this time around to
claim their tenth title in the discipline.
So say the Brazilians: See you in 2006! At the end of the
inaugural FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, one cannot help reflecting
on what a fine first tournament it was. Offering an exceptional
field made up of the best teams on the planet, the competition
turned out to be extremely close.
