Beach soccer develops and expands with every passing year, but there was a strong sense of déjà vu as the new season got underway last weekend. FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup holders Brazil ended 2006 by overcoming France in the final instalment of the Pro Beach Soccer Tour in Durban, South Africa, and they began 2007 where they left off, pipping the same opponents to the Nations Cup title.

The heavy 9-2 score-line on home soil signalled a 46th consecutive victory for the awesome Auriverde , and once again they stand out as overwhelming favourites to claim the discipline's ultimate prize. After ringing the changes in 2006, the sky appears to be the limit for Brazil's squad of 15 exceptional players.

"Last year, we were just happy to win matches and didn't worry so much about how we did it," explained veteran captain Junior Negao. "From now on, we can think a bit more about playing in an attractive style again. Our goal will to be to keep our run going by pleasing our fans at the same time."

If their rivals sense that a little complacency may be creeping in, they would do well to think again. "My players have one goal and one goal alone: to retain the world title," warned coach Alexandre Soares . As gifted as his side undoubtedly are, though, Brazil cannot expect to have everything their way this season. Rio de Janeiro 2006 showed that beach soccer standards are being raised across the globe and the new campaign is almost certain to confirm the trend.

Cantona's men aiming high
Third at the last FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, perennial contenders France are sure to have their say, despite their dispiriting loss in Guaruja. After all, Les Bleus made their way to the final with convincing wins over Peru (7-2) and Mexico (5-1), two teams who may not rank among the strongest on the planet, but who have made great strides of late. And with his line-up functioning well together after some difficulties last year, Eric Cantona will be looking to steer the French to the top in 2007.

That goes for Venancio Ramos and his Uruguay side too, following their surprise journey to the final in Rio last term. No longer an unknown quantity, the runners-up on the sands of Copacabana Beach may find their task more complicated this time around, and it remains to be seen whether their ultra-defensive approach can continue to spring upsets. Beach soccer fans should get an early idea of the answer to that question when the Celeste return to the beaches of South America in the next few weeks.

Behind those three frontrunners, the competition is likely to be fierce, with Portugal hoping to banish their reputation as underachievers in the major tournaments. Trainer Ze Miguel ultimately stayed on board after considering his position, but his team has a fresh look about it after a substantial clearout opened up opportunities for the younger generation. And who better to help the newcomers find their feet than experienced and talented duo Alan and Madjer ?

For Spain, meanwhile, the most pressing objective will be to forget their disappointing display at the 2006 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, where they were sent packing after the first round. "The lesson we need to take from last season is simple: you always have to work harder," star player Amarelle told FIFA.com. "Our team will be even younger in 2007 and we'll have to try and improve quickly. Our style will probably be more physical than technical."

Levelling of the playing field
In that, they will have much in common with continental rivals Poland, Italy and Ukraine, who will all be aiming to raise their profile as the campaign unfolds. Likewise, it will be interesting to see how much progress Switzerland and England have made as they get down to business in Europe's Group B.

Argentina will also be out to surprise a few people, but will have to make do without many of their best players in the first few games, as suspensions take effect. Nevertheless, the Albiceleste remain one of the fittest outfits on the scene, having held training sessions three or four times a week since the turn of the calendar year.

On the other side of the world, Bahrain are focused on continuing their impressive march forward and, if Brazilian-born coach Gustavo Zloccowick Silva is to be believed, they could soon be mentioned in the same breath as the discipline's leading powers. "We put in a great performance to finish sixth last year, but I know we can do even better," he announced. "I have no doubt we can reach the top four!"

Lastly, a number of teams are determined to build on the glimpses of promise witnessed on Copacabana Beach last time out. First among those, Nigeria and the Solomon Islands both face stiff tests to qualify for the main event, while 2006 quarter-finalists Canada ought to seal their place with relative ease.

Of course, whatever their pedigree, each team is already looking forward to the third FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, which takes place between 2 and 11 November. Between now and then, the world's beaches will play host to the discipline's brightest talents to decide which 16 sides go on to contest the global title in Brazil. Whatever happens, it will be nothing if not spectacular.


The big events this season
3-5 May: Euro Beach Soccer Cup in Tarragona (Spain)
6 May: Brazil - Euro All Stars
3-8 July: African qualifiers for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2007 in Durban (South Africa)
18-22 July: Oceanian qualifiers for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2007 in Tahiti (French Polynesia)
31 August - 2 September: Pro Beach Soccer Tour in China
26-29 September: Pro Beach Soccer Tour in Durban (South Africa)
2-11 November: FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2007 in Brazil
- 14 -16 December: Copa Latina

* Dates and locations for the AFC, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL and UEFA qualifiers have yet to be decided.