Brazil beat the Azzurri with five last-gasp goals to reach 11 wins in 2016 and remain unbeaten this season under Gilberto Costa. Japan finish runners-up in the tournament on Gonzaga beach
Santos (SP) - Brazil is champion of the Beach Soccer Brazil Mundialito. With a perfect third period, the Brazilian national team, pushed by the packed stands, beat Italy 8-2 (goals from Mauricinho (2), Nelito (2), Bokinha (2), Lucão and Catarino, with Palmacci and Zurlo scoring for the Azzurri), in a derby that had just ended, on Sunday morning, the 23rd, winning the undefeated title of the tournament, played on Gonzaga beach, in Santos (SP).
Mão was named 'Best Goalkeeper', Mauricinho was 'Top Scorer' (5 goals) and Ozu (Japan) was named 'Best Player'. Japan, who beat Mexico 8-0 in the opening game of the last round, were runners-up. Catarino, scorer of the goal that paved the way to victory, praised the team's spirit and concentration, as they scored five goals in the last half.
"We're very happy. We beat a very high-level team, who have already qualified for the World Cup, and we showed our strength, that the work is on the right track. We kept our breath and concentration throughout the game, we played at the same pace the whole time, we're well prepared and that's thanks to the planning done by the coaching staff. Everything was perfect, the fans supporting us, everyone's dedication, it's a title that gives us more motivation and confidence in our preparations for the Intercontinental Cup and, above all, the Bahamas qualifiers."
Faced with an Azzurri team with no chance of the title, but willing to 'get in the way', Brazil started the game pressing, taking control of the game against an Italy team that was dangerous on the counter-attacks with the speedy Palmacci and Zurlo. After a very even first half, the yellow and green won 1-0 (Catarino). In the second half, there was more balance and Brazil kept their lead to just one goal after taking a 3-0 lead (Mauricinho and Bokinha), with Palmacci and Zurlo scoring for the Europeans.
Then came the final stage and a gala performance from the Brazilians. Showing excellent physical preparation, Brazil dominated the match, exchanging passes at speed, abusing their class, opening up spaces and limiting Italy to their field. Nelito scored the fourth goal, Bokinha scored the fifth, Lucão added to his tally, Nelito scored another and Mauricinho rounded off the scoring: 8-2.
"It was three good games, an important competition that demanded a lot from the team. We're evolving, there are some points to improve, of course, but I was happy with how Brazil performed on the court. Everyone is to be congratulated on the achievement, let's celebrate this fine result today, and tomorrow we'll already be thinking about Dubai," said coach Gilberto Costa.
On the podium, the celebration was alongside little Lucca Becceneri de Melo Santos, 3, who was born with cerebral palsy and is collecting donations so that he can undergo surgery in the United States. Lucca was welcomed by the Brazilian national team last Saturday at the hotel where the team is staying, and was the most celebrated at the title ceremony.
The win over Italy was the 25th in as many matches since the first meeting in 1996. Brazil continue their preparations for the Conmebol Qualifier in Paraguay in February, a qualifier for the FIFA World Cup Bahamas in May. Next Tuesday, November 26, the Brazilian national team leaves for the Intercontinental Cup, from November 1 to 5, in Dubai (United Arab Emirates).
Table - Beach Soccer Mundialito (Brasilia time)
Friday (Day 21)
Mexico 0-4 Italy
BRAZIL 4 (0p) (2) x (1) (0p) 4 Japan
Saturday (22nd)
BRAZIL 5-1 Mexico
Italy 1-3 Japan
Sunday (23rd)
Mexico 0-8 Japan
More photos available at www.flickr.com/ dgwcomunicacao and on Facebook - Beach Soccer Brasil
The Mundialito de Beach Soccer Brasil is organized by FIFO7S (International Federation of Football 7 Society) through the São Paulo State Department of Sport, Leisure and Youth - Paulista Sports Incentive Law. Sponsors - Comgas, Apsen Farmacêutica, Nextel, Hydra Duchas e Torneiras Elétricas and Wickbold. Partnership - Nike and Dolly soft drinks. Support - Confederação de Beach Soccer do Brasil (CBSB), Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF), Prefeitura de Santos - Secretaria de Esportes, Sportv and TV Globo. Promotion - Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW), FIFA Beach Soccer and Koch Tavares.
