Monday 05 July 2021, 09:33

South American line-up unchanged

  • South America concludes its qualifiers for Russia 2021

  • All 16 participating nations are now known

  • Global showdown runs from 19-29 August in Moscow

Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay will fly the flag for CONMEBOL at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021, just as they did at the last edition two years ago in Paraguay.

FIFA.com looks back at how the trio secured their places on the sands of Moscow and the other key takeaways from the continental qualifiers.

Brazil retain crown

A Seleção were crowned champions once again after beating Uruguay 3-1 in Rio de Janeiro, much to the delight of their fans. The hosts underlined their regional dominance with a flawless qualifying event, in which they went unbeaten throughout and emphatically overcame most opponents.

With Edson Hulk the team’s (and tournament’s) top scorer, Brazil brushed aside the opposition in Group A with resounding wins over Peru (6-3), Ecuador (7-3), Venezuela (8-2) and Paraguay (8-3).

In the semi-finals they faced the competition’s surprise package Colombia, who did everything in their power to end the hosts’ hegemony and secure the ticket. However, their efforts ultimately came up short with the Canarinha defence impressing in a 3-1 triumph.

Brazil repeated the scoreline in the final thanks to a brace from Edson Hulk and one goal from Ze Lucas. Quinta reduced the deficit for Las Charrúas, who were already assured a place in Russia heading into the showdown.

Worthy runners-up

The decider was a repeat of the previous edition but much more encouraging this time for the beaten finalists. Two years, Brazil were vastly superior to Uruguay, who were powerless in the face of their attacking might in a painful 10-1 rout.

It was a much more even affair this time, with Las Charrúas confirming how far they have come by causing problems for one of the powerhouses of the discipline. If they can replicate this form in Russia, they will surely be a tough opponent for anyone.

Their path to the final was also impressive. After topping Group B with wins over Argentina (2-0), Chile (3-2), Bolivia (4-3 a.e.t.) and Colombia (3-1), they stamped their ticket to Russia by overcoming Paraguay 4-3 in a match that had numerous twists and turns and drama aplenty.

Los Pynandi complete the line-up

Paraguay managed to hold on to third place after defeating tournament revelation Colombia. Los Pynandi looked in control throughout their 4-2 victory and deservedly took the 16th and final berth at Russia 2021.

A couple of days earlier, in their semi-finals against Uruguay, they had starred in one of the most exciting fixtures of the tournament. A goalless first period and a second that saw just a single goal for Uruguay gave no hint of what was to follow in the final 12 minutes.

Las Charrúas began it by extending their lead only for Paraguay to go in front with three rapid-fire goals. Uruguay refused to lie down, however, and turned the game around again with a late equaliser and last-minute winner.

Prior to that, Los Pynandi had finished second in Group A, with wins against Venezuela (6-4), Peru (3-0) and Ecuador (6-1), and a loss to eventual champions Brazil (8-3).

The best of the rest

Colombia surprised the most with their performances in Brazil. After finishing second in Group B, they then asked questions of Brazil in the semi-final and made Paraguay really work for their victory in the match for third place. 

Venezuela, meanwhile, achieved a creditable fifth position by defeating Argentina 4-3 in an emotional and pulsating match for fifth place. Finally, Chile and Bolivia won the seventh- and ninth-place games thanks to comfortable wins over Peru and Ecuador respectively.

Did you know?

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Final standings

  1. Brazil

  2. Uruguay

  3. Paraguay

  4. Colombia

  5. Venezuela

  6. Argentina

  7. Chile

  8. Peru

  9. Bolivia

  10. Ecuador

The CONMEBOL Beach Soccer qualifying event was played between 26 June and 4 July in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with ten teams battling it out for three tickets to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021.