Mexico edged Ukraine on penalties to clinch a quarter-final berth and eliminate their opponents from the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna/Italy 2011. The result ensured Brazil are guaranteed to go through as Group D winners ahead of their final outing with Japan, and secured El Tri a meeting with Russia in the last eight.

Mexico were unable to break down their opponents in the opening period, during which they conceded the deadlock-breaker. Maksym Nazarenko crossed from the right, and Anton Butko did well to head Ukraine in front.

After a goalless second period, Francisco Cati managed an equaliser in the 2nd minute, turning home a headed lay-off from Ricardo Villalobos.

Extra time went goalless, forcing the contest to be decided on penalties. And though Villalobos missed Mexico’s first spot-kick, a converted Angel Rodriguez effort and missed from Igor Borsuk and Andriy Yevdokymov earned the North Americans a 1-0 win.