The wait is finally over. A long queue of excited locals stretches down the Copacabana Beach - queuing for seats at the first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. On a swelteringly hot morning the famous crowd-rouser Bola 7 was much in evidence - a man at least three times as big as most of Rio's residents. He sashayed to the drum and brass combo behind him and served to create an atmosphere, clichés aside, which you would only find in Brazil. They may need to strengthen the stands to withstand the crowd's dancing if, as expected, the home team go far in this tournament.





Uruguay 7-3 South Africa: Celeste hold something back
With their other Group C opponents Ukraine watching intently from the stands, this was a cagey performance from Uruguay. Coach Gustavo Sanchez seemed bothered about letting too much of his hand show to the eastern Europeans, so chose to play a straightforward, no frills game. It was enough to see off the South Africans who were certainly not disgraced in their first Beach Soccer international. For many of their young squad - average age 18 - this is their first trip abroad too, and coach Shezi Lidani knows the experience will stand them in good stead. "We're here to learn but I was very proud of my boys today," said Lidani afterwards.
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France 5-1 Australia: Cantona's men stroll past Aussies
Sadly no Eric on the pitch which disappointed quite a few who had come with their banners to welcome him back to Rio. He had only flown in the previous day, so perhaps a bench role was understandable, but there will be many who hope to see him playing before the week's out. He decided that he could be of most use directing operations from the bench, but in truth his French team always had far too much beach soccer experience for the game Aussies. Cantona said afterwards that he had wanted his team to try to conserve energy for the long week ahead - two goals from Cardoso and one each from Ottavy, Sciortino, Edouard and Cardoso saw France safely home at a canter. Mention should go to Steve Karavatakis who scored Australia's first ever beach soccer goal.
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Brazil 9-2 Thailand: Nenem's hat-trick causes smiles all round
So this was what the crowd had come to see. While other teams laboured in the sand which makes passing movements near impossible, the Brazilians, at times, seemed to be playing on grass. This, coupled with their all-round ability to keep the ball in the air for long periods gives them a huge advantage over opponents. That vociferous crowd must help too. But this squad have defensive quality with Buru and Betinhio and they have vast experience - only Bruno is under 27-years-old, with nine of the 12 over 30-years-old. The expectation level was high that Jorginho would show why many regard him as the world's finest beach player. He was outshone by the diminutive Nenem on the day, whose performance brought a wide smile to his coach Jorge Ferreira Alves' face. "He makes me happy!" said Alves after the game - which says it all.
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Portugal 4-0 Japan: Alan and Madjer stroll in the sun
In the quietest match of the day - most of the crowd were spent after the home team's procession, Portugal showed enough to suggest they will go far this week. In Alan and Madjer they have two of the game's outstanding players and both scored goals which caused audible gasps in the stadium. In truth Japan never got going - a tribute to the organization of Portugal's coach Zé Miguel. He looked a relieved man afterwards that this win hadn't taken too much out of his players before Tuesday's last Group B game against USA. Japan, the only team not to score so far, face a massive game with the States on Monday. Lose and home they go.
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