2 Days Left to Register for Toronto Beach Soccer Tournament

With only two days left, deadline for the Soccerworld at Polson Pier beach soccer tournament is fast approaching. Last day to get your team in is Thursday July 31st, 2008 for the August 9th/10th tournament.

Busy that weekend? Soccerworld is also hosting part II of the SandBlast tournament in sunny Wasaga Beach August 23rd-24th weekend so it's still not too late to get your teams together.

For more information and to register online be sure to check out Soccerworldcentral.ca

Junior Negao: Now I feel complete

Rarely does a sportsman, regardless of his vocation, retire in the blaze of glory that Junior Negao did in Marseille...

For some of you, when we think of beach soccer, a word appears just in our head: Jr. Negão.

It was the strike that set Brazil en route to hegemony. Fifteen years on from the Seleção's maiden goal in the sport, they have played 314 matches, won 11 Beach Soccer World Championships and three FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups. These figures, inconceivably, also belong to Junior Negao, the scorer of that landmark goal in 1993.

The synonymy between the team and its ever-present No 8 nonetheless took its last step today, when he brought the curtain down on his incomparable playing career. And rarely does a sportsman, regardless of his vocation, retire in the blaze of glory that Junior Negao did in Marseille.

There, fittingly, the defender lifted the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup trophy high above his head after captaining Brazil to a 5-3 defeat of Italy in a memorable final. The result moved Alexandre Soares' side on to 73 games unbeaten, their aura of invincibility indebted to Junior Negao.

"It was the perfect way to go out," enthused the 44-year-old, proudly showing off the trophy. "I'm very emotional, thinking about all the wonderful times I've had with Brazil. But if we hadn't won today, there would have always been that something missing. Now I feel complete."
I'm very happy. I'll never forget this day and I'd like to say thank you to all of my coaches, team-mates and the Brazilian supporters Junior Negao after captaining Brazil to Marseille 2008 glory.

"I feel so privileged to have played with so many great players over the years. Because of my team-mates I've been able to win so many titles. But this one was extra special because it was much harder for us to win the World Cup away from Brazil. I'm very happy. I'll never forget this day and I'd like to say thank you to all of my coaches, team-mates and the Brazilian supporters."
This debt of gratitude will be returned with interest, for Junior Negao has served his country through struggle and pain. Literally.

"I've broken my big toe on a few occasions but I've never even thought about missing a game," he explained. "It's the greatest honour to represent this team and I've loved every minute of it since it all started."

When Brazil's beach soccer adventure began in 1993, Junior Negao was a relative nobody encompassed by celebrities. They included Paulo Sergio, Junior and Jairzinho, and he has since lined up alongside other former FIFA World Cup participants such as Branco, Zico and Romario.

These aforementioned luminaries engaged in exciting holiday romances with Brazil's beach soccer team. Junior Negao, by contrast, has revelled in the most consummate of love affairs with the side. And while he exited the sport on the red carpet today, his legend will remain an infinite symbol of the Seleção.

from fifa.com...

In the spirit of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Soccerworld Polson Pier will be hosting Canada’s biggest Beach Soccer Championships this coming August. With two tour dates set August 9^th-10^th (Soccerworld, Polson Pier) and August 23^rd-24^th (Wasaga Beach), the tournaments will support all levels of play, from Youth to Co-ed, Womens and Men’s Pro Am.

For more information and to register check out Soccer World Central.

See you in Dubai!

The United Arab Emirates must improve if they are to provide tough opposition as hosts next year, and the list of teams who need to make major strides ahead of Dubai 2009 ought to be extended to include Cameroon, Iran, Japan, Solomon Islands and El Salvador.

Neutrals may be hoping to see a few more goals when the competition moves to the Middle East, but if Marseille 2008 was the least prolific of the four FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups so far, that had a lot to do with the excellent standard of goalkeeping. Aside from Spain's Roberto Valeiro, winner of the inaugural adidas Golden Glove, Russia's Andrey Bukhlitskiy, Marcelo Salgueiro of Argentina and El Salvador's Luis Rodas all left a memorable impression on the Mediterranean coast.

For all those reasons, the competition's first voyage beyond Brazilian shores must go down as a remarkable success. Little by little, it has forced its way into the reckoning as one of the most significant events in the sporting calendar since its inception four years ago - to that extent that the growing army of beach soccer enthusiasts can hardly wait to watch the world's finest talents reconvene in Dubai a year from now.

Participating teams

Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, United Arab Emirates, Spain, France, Iran, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Solomon Islands, El Salvador, Senegal, Uruguay

Final standings

1 - Brazil

2 - Italy

3 - Portugal

4 - Spain

Goals

(total) 259

An average of 8.09 per match

Top scorers

Madjer (POR) 13

Amarelle (ESP) 11

Belchior (POR) 10

from fifa.com...

In the spirit of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Soccerworld Polson Pier will be hosting Canada’s biggest Beach Soccer Championships this coming August. With two tour dates set August 9^th-10^th (Soccerworld, Polson Pier) and August 23^rd-24^th (Wasaga Beach), the tournaments will support all levels of play, from Youth to Co-ed, Womens and Men’s Pro Am.

For more information and to register check out Soccer World Central.

Brazil Wins FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2008

Brazil won its third straight FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on Sunday with a 5-3 win over Italy in Marseille.

Bruno and Sidney each notched a pair of goals and teammate Andre added another as Brazil stormed out to a 5-0 lead and held on for the win.

"We have achieved our goal," Brazil forward Benjamin said. "We still want to do more and prove to the entire world that we are the best. I think that we can be proud of ourselves."

Early on, it was Italy with the best scoring chance, as Massimiliano Esposito flicked the ball into the air and attempted an overhead kick. It hit the crossbar, however.

Benjamin was equally unlucky in the first period, as he fired a shot just wide of the net before he was foiled by the crossbar on another try.

Brazil finally got on the board in the ninth minute, as Bruno knocked down a chest pass before spinning around to score. He added another in the 15th minute with a shot to the top left corner. Sidney kept things going, making his way around Italian goalkeeper Stefano Spada with a dribble in the 22nd minute to give Brazil a 3-0 lead. He headed in a fourth goal for the squad two minutes later.

Andre notched a goal on a pass from Duda in the 29th, to cap a five goal run by Brazil in the first 30 minutes.

Italy responded by scoring three goals in five minutes, but could not catch up to Brazil. Paolo Palmacci, Roberto Pasquali, and Diego Maradona Jr. each scored in the attempted rally.
"Our initial aim was to reach the quarter-finals," Italy's Esposito said. "So we're pleased to have exceeded our expectations by such a distance. It's a huge performance."

In the third-place match, Madjer scored a hat trick to put Portugal over Spain 5-4.Amarelle won the award for the tournament's best player, the Golden Shoe. He was the top scorer with 13 goals.

from cbcsports.ca...

In the spirit of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Soccerworld Polson Pier will be hosting Canada’s biggest Beach Soccer Championships this coming August. With two tour dates set August 9^th-10^th (Soccerworld, Polson Pier) and August 23^rd-24^th (Wasaga Beach), the tournaments will support all levels of play, from Youth to Co-ed, Womens and Men’s Pro Am.

For more information and to register check out Soccer World Central.

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2008 Golden Shoe Awards & Highlights

adidas Golden Shoe Award

The adidas Golden Shoe Award goes to the top goal scorer of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Assists serve as a tie-breaker with the FIFA Technical Study Group deciding whether an assist is to be counted as such. The assists will only be counted if two or more players are equal on goals scored.

1. Madjer (POR) 13 Goals
2. Amarelle (ESP)11 Goals
3. Belchior (POR)10 Goals

adidas Golden Ball Award

The adidas Golden Ball is always awarded to the most outstanding player, as voted by the media present at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Marseille 2008.

1. Amarelle (ESP)
2. Benjamin (BRA)
3. Belchior (POR)

adidas Golden Glove Award

The adidas Golden Glove Award is a brand new award which is being handed out for the first time at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2008, and which honours the top goalkeeper of the tournament.

1. Roberto Valeiro (ESP)

FIFA Fair Play Award

The FIFA Fair Play award is given to the team with the best record of fair play according to the points system and criteria specified by the Competitions Regulations.
Winner in 2008: Russia
from fifa.com.....

In the spirit of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Soccerworld Polson Pier will be hosting Canada’s biggest Beach Soccer Championships this coming August. With two tour dates set August 9^th-10^th (Soccerworld, Polson Pier) and August 23^rd-24^th (Wasaga Beach), the tournaments will support all levels of play, from Youth to Co-ed, Womens and Men’s Pro Am.

For more information and to register check out Soccer World Central.

Portugal Moves Into the Semis

from fifa.com...

Portugal delivered a dominant third-period display to see off Uruguay's challenge and march into the semi-finals of Marseille 2008. Ze Miguel's side's 6-3 victory means they will now face the winners of Brazil-Russia for a place in the final.

After a tight opening, the in-form Belchior fired Portugal in front. Beirao Sousa and Madjer extended their advantage, but Fabian and Martin ensured Uruguay went in at the second break only a goal behind.

However, Bilro, a Coco own goal and another from Belchior sent the Portuguese into a 6-2 lead, before Fabian's second of the game reduced the deficit.

Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup Highlights & Overview

Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup Highlights & Overview

FIRST DAY - THURSDAY, JULY, 17

> Senegal survived a spirited comeback to beat France on penalties after a thrilling 5-5 draw in front of a vociferous crowd in Marseille.

> With goalkeeper Luis Rodas in outstanding form, El Salvador threatened an upset early on, but Portugal turned on the style to win 8-2.

> Uruguay made a positive start to their bid to qualify from Group A, a Ricar hat-trick inspiring them to a comprehensive 6-1 win over Iran.

> Eleven goals provided the crowd with a fitting curtain-raiser to Marseille 2008, Italy scoring seven of them against the brave Solomon Islands.

SECOND DAY - FRIDAY, JULY, 18

> Two goals from Spain’s Amarelle threatened to upset the reigning world champions, but Buru completed a double of his own to snatch Brazil victory.

> United Arab Emirates scored five unanswered goals in the final period to beat Cameroon 10-4 in a match that hung in the balance for so long.

> Trailing 1-0 after two periods, Ricardo Villalobos scored two brave headers to inspire Mexico to a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Japan.

> Federico Hilaire scored twice in the closing stages to complete his hat-trick and help Argentina twice come from behind to beat Russia 5-3.

THIRD DAY - SATURDAY, JULY, 20

> Eric Cantona’s France overcame Iran on penalties following an entertaining 6-6 draw to save themselves from group-stage elimination in front of their own fans.

> Paolo Palmacci scored twice as Italy beat El Salvador 4-1 to march into the quarter-finals and end their opponents’ chances of progression.

> With Madjer, Alan and Belchior in prolific form, Portugal overwhelmed Solmon Islands 13-4 to effectively qualify for the quarter-finals.

> Uruguay edged Senegal 8-7 courtesy of extra-time goals from Pampero and Ricar to leave themselves on the cusp of a place in the quarter-finals.

FOURTH DAY - SUNDAY, JULY, 21

> Brazil beat Japan 8-1 to move on to the brink of a place in the quarter-finals, while the result left the Asians with a mountain to climb.

> Russia scored four times without reply to eliminate Cameroon and ensure the winner of their meeting with United Arab Emirates will advance.

> Marcelo Salgueiro, Federico Hilaire and Cesar Leguizamon starred as Argentina beat United Arab Emirates to move towards the quarter-finals.

> Goals from Amarelle and Antonio reversed an early deficit to earn Spain a 2-1 win over Mexico that left them in a strong position to advance.

FIFTH DAY - MONDAY, JULY, 21

> France sneaked into the quarter-finals as Group A winners courtesy of a 4-3 win over Uruguay; a result which condemned Senegal to elimination.

> Senegal kept their side of the bargain by beating Iran 4-1. France had to beat Uruguay in normal time to pip the Africans to a quarter-final place.

> The irrepressible James Naka scored four times to inspire Solomon Islands to a 6-3 victory over El Salvador in the battle to finish third in Group B.

> Belchior completed his hat-trick in extra time to earn Portugal a 5-4 win over Italy in the battle to go through to the last eight as group winners.

from vmbf at menstennisforums.com...

In the spirit of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Soccerworld Polson Pier will be hosting Canada’s biggest Beach Soccer Championships this coming August. With two tour dates set August 9^th-10^th (Soccerworld, Polson Pier) and August 23^rd-24^th (Wasaga Beach), the tournaments will support all levels of play, from Youth to Co-ed, Womens and Men’s Pro Am.

For more information and to register check out Soccer World Central.

Copa Mundial 2008- El Salvador vs Italy

FIFA World Cup Beach Soccer 2008

El Salvador vs Italy

Paolo Palmacci scored twice as Italy beat El Salvador 4-1 to march into the quarter-finals and end their opponents’ chances of progression.

Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup Highlights Marseille

from fifa.com...

Down to the Wire

FIFA sets the scene for what promises to be a thrilling Thursday afternoon as Marseille 2008 reaches the quarter-final stage.

The Big Match- Argentina-Spain, 16.15 (local time)

Given that both sides have never looked stronger, the first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup meeting between the two could not have come at a better time. Led by the three Hilaires (Santiago, Federico and Ezequiel), all of whom have been in peak form, the Albiceleste proved exceptionally strong in the group phase, not least in goal, where Marcelo Salgueiro is well on the way to becoming one of the best exponents of his art in the world. Narrow 3-2 losers to Brazil in their section, Spain can count on the sublime skills of Amarelle up front and the trademark agility of Roberto Valeiro between the posts, all of which should ensure an open and closely contested tie.

The Other Games

Portugal will start the day's opening game against Uruguay as slight favourites. Not only do Ze Miguel's men have history on their side after defeating the Celeste 5-4 in the group phase at Rio de Janeiro 2006, more importantly they powered their way through Group B. The solid Charrúas are a more potent attacking outfit these days, however, and in Ricar, Martin and Parrillo they have come up with a highly effective attacking trio.

Over the last three years, no side has posed Brazil more problems than Russia did in the first round in 2007, when the two-time world champions needed penalties to prevail. Even so, Nikolai Pisarev and his team can expect a tough afternoon against the defending champions. Goalkeeper Andrey Bukhlitskiy will need to be at his very best if they are to have a hope.

In the final last-eight match-up, France and Italy cross paths for the first time ever in the competition. The hosts will no doubt be drawing inspiration from their last outing against Uruguay as they seek to halt the smoothly functioning Italian machine, and will be counting on prolific duo Jeremy Basquaise and Didier Samoun to blunt the threat posed by Roberto Pasquali and his cohorts.

Player to Watch

Alan (POR) With six goals and four assists to his name, the diminutive Portuguese has been the most incisive player to date at Marseille 2008. Madjer's inseparable attacking partner will need to keep up that form when Portugal come up against Uruguay's well-drilled defence in Thursday's first quarter-final.

The Stat

3 - The number of times Brazil and France have reached the semi-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. In other words, the two have never lost in the quarter-finals of the competition.

What they said "We know this Russia team well and we know they're going to pose us problems. Our strength is our team play and if we perform at our highest level, we should go through. Only God can stop us (laughs)," Mao, Brazil goalkeeper.

The Full Schedule

Portugal-Uruguay (14.45)

Argentina-Spain (16.15)

Brazil-Russia (17.45)

France vs. Uruguay

from FIFA.com...

The host nation at Marseille 2008 need to beat Uruguay if they are to spare themselves the ignominy of a first-round exit. Senegal meanwhile will be looking to beat Iran and hope that France do indeed slip up. In Group B, by contrast, first place is all that is left to play for.

The big match

France - Uruguay, 19.15 (local time)

Marseille 2008 without the host nation in the quarter-finals? We may all be forced to get used to this idea rather soon. After a loss and a win on penalties in Group A, France simply have to beat Uruguay if they are to make it through to the last eight. If they win in regulation time then Eric Cantona's men will be through to the quarters. However, if, like their last two matches, it again goes to penalties or even just extra time, they will be reliant on the Senegal-Iran result. Making matters even tougher for Les Bleus is the fact that they have never beaten Uruguay at a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. At the semi-final stage in 2006 and in the match for third place in 2007, the Celeste squeezed through on penalties (2-2 aet, 0-1 pso on both occasions).

The other games

There is little left in the way of suspense in Group B with Portugal and Italy having already made it through to the quarter-finals. The pair go head-to-head on Monday to see who tops their section, but, with their opposition in the last eight being one of Uruguay, France and Senegal, the advantage of finishing first as opposed to second could be minimal. Mindful of that, Italy and Portugal's coaches may well use the game for squad rotation - something that might also be the case between El Salvador and Solomon Islands in their consolation match. Finally in Group A, Senegal will have to overcome Iran and hope that Les Bleus succumb to Uruguay. If the Africans win in regulation time and the French only get through after extra time or on penalties (or indeed lose), then Senegal will squeeze past the host nation and into the last eight.

Player to watch

Pape Koukpaki (SEN)

Senegal desperately need a win against Iran to qualify for the quarter-finals while hoping that France do not manage the same result as them. The Lions of Teranga will therefore be counting on their star striker who has already scored six times in their opening two matches.

The stat

0 - The number of times before this year that Italy had reached the quarter-finals of a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. The Azzurri have already put an end to this barren streak.

What they said

"Our aim is still to win the World Cup on 27 July, and we are going to do all in our power to achieve that." Portugal forward, Belchior

The full schedule

Portugal - Italy (14.45)

El Salvador - Solomon Islands (16.15)

Senegal - Iran (17.45)

France - Uruguay (19.15)

Copa Mundial De Beach Soccer De La FIFA 2008 Highlights

I have posted a poll above, who will win the 2008 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup?

Group A

France Iran Senegal Uruguay

Group B

El Salvador Italy Portugal Solomon Islands

Group C

Argentina Cameroon Russia United Arab Emirates

Group D

Brazil Japan Mexico Spain

Highlights so far....

Some quotes from the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2008 so far...

"I'm very pleased with our victory. We now feel good to have qualified for the next phase, but our next game against Potugal will be harder. El Salvador are a good team and we respected them, but we were better today. We will now fight to win our group," Massimiliano Esposito, Italy player.

"It was impossible to win today. We had good tactics but Italy were too good. We're a very young team and today we gained a lot of experience that will hopefully serve us well at the next Beach Soccer World Cup," Tomas Hernandez, Solomon Islands player.

FIFA 2008 Beach Soccer Stats for July 21st

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Marseille 2008

For it’s first time, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will be leaving the sands of Brazil's Copacobana beach and will be hosted in Marsilles, France. The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup takes place July 17^th-27^th 2008, with FIFA overseeing the event for the 4^th year now. 16 teams will compete for championships, with the action kicking off in the next two days with France playing their first group stage match against Senegal.

If you are looking for coverage of the games, be sure to check out the tournament’s official website at www.FIFA.com/marseille2008

In the spirit of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Soccerworld Polson Pier will be hosting Canada’s biggest Beach Soccer Championships this coming August. With two tour dates set August 9^th-10^th (Soccerworld, Polson Pier) and August 23^rd-24^th (Wasaga Beach), the tournaments will support all levels of play, from Youth to Co-ed, Womens and Men’s Pro Am.

For more information and to register check out Soccer World Central.

1 Day Left to Save with Early Bird $50 Off Registration

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Deadline Fast Approaching
Only 1 Day Left to Save $50 off Team Registration

The tournaments are filling up fast with limited spots left. Don't miss out on your chance to benefit from the early bird fee of $250 per team, deadline is July 8th and then the price goes up to $300.

Come out and dig your feet into the sand ...

You've just connected with Ontario's first and premier sand soccer Championships. With over 50 teams battling it out on the beach this coming August, the Second Annual Soccerworld Beach Soccer Tour returns to the cities of Toronto and Wasaga Beach.

Never played? Never fear!

Open to all, from beginners who have yet to experience the sand, to multiple youth teams and soccer professionals. Brackets will support all levels of play, with easy to pick up rules and games played on 30 by 40 pitches, 5 vs. 5.

Whether you're a returning veteran or a new comer to the game, the beach soccer craze is coming to the GTA and we look forward to seeing you for the "Battle of the Beach"!

Brackets Support All Levels of Play:
Men's Pro Am - Men's Recreational - Women's - Co Ed - Youth

Register Online

Fore more info check out Soccerworldcentral