France World Cup -BEACH SOCCER

[z187]

ahahah wow Canada beat spain lol

Viva Canada

[EURODAD]

Originally Posted by z187

ahahah wow Canada beat spain lol

Viva Canada

Power house Canadians !!!! Go Canada GO

[verde-rubro]

Uruguay edge past Argentina

Scoring opportunities were at a premium as Uruguay squeezed past neighbours Argentina by the odd goal (2-1) in one of the tightest games of the tournament. For the Uruguayans, who also beat the Albiceleste in the South American qualifiers in Macae, an intriguing semi-final against France now awaits.
In a highly dramatic denouement, Miguel grabbed the winner for the Charruas with a last-second free kick that bounced awkwardly to wrong-foot Marcelo Salgueiro in the Argentine goal. All this after Santiago Lopez Hilaire continued his fine tournament by grabbing the opener for the Albiceleste, only for Ricar to level things up for Venancio Ramos' outfit with another free kick.

As expected, the first two periods saw the River Plate rivals cancel each other out in a cautious tactical battle. With chances predictably few and far between, Pampero came closest to breaking the deadlock for the Uruguayans with some fine long-range strikes. Francisco Petrasso's side responded with some long-distance shooting of their own, and the ever-lively Federico Lopez Hilaire kept his markers on their toes throughout. Keepers Salgueiro and Leandro coped admirably with everything that was thrown at them, though, and the game remained goalless going into the final period.

In what proved to be a tense finale, the men in blue and white drew first blood when the younger of the two Lopez Hilaires latched onto a loose ball before finishing with great aplomb. Ricar soon wiped the smile off Argentine faces with a close-range free-kick, and just when extra-time looked a certainty, up stepped Miguel with his venomous drive to settle the issue in the Celestes' favour. With tensions riding high following an emotionally charged afternoon, it was unfortunate to see the game end with a series of regrettable incidents involving both sides.

The Uruguayans now face a semi-final showdown with reigning champions France, who earlier ended the challenge of Japan without too much difficulty.

Referees: Joao Duarte (BRA), Vincenzo Cascone (ITA), Fabio Polito (ITA)

[verde-rubro]

What's a beach without bikinis? Cheerleaders have been putting smiles on faces at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Rio.

Brazilian belles turn on the charm

They've got moves to match even the most stylish beach soccer masters.

Day after day, game after game, this tireless group of entertainers make it their mission to stir the watching fans into a frenzy of excitement, shouting and applause. No, we are not talking about the world's finest beach soccer players. While the soccer stars themselves are taking a well-earned rest, on come the beautiful Brazilian dancers to delight the Copacabana crowds during intervals in play.
Blondes, brunettes, red-heads…these talented performers, each with their own style, show just why the country's women are famed for being amongst the most graceful and sensual on the planet. Cacau, part of the choreography team, explained to FIFA.com just how the project came about: "We already did something similar at last year's tournament, with great success. We work with professional dancers who absolutely love their job. That's what really matters: that they enjoy themselves. They are out there in the public eye, in all that heat, for almost the entire day. You need to have a great deal of willpower."

No exaggeration there. On every matchday, in every interval, twelve dancers leap onto the sands ready to entertain the local fans and always with a broad smile on their faces. "Of course the fans are happy. They leap about and chant along with the girls, even asking them for their phone numbers. What do most of them say? Gostosas (gorgeous), but it doesn't bother us at all. Brazilian women like hearing things like this, and these girls are well-used to it by now," she adds with a grin.

Fellow choreographer Erica, who could just as easily be out there on the sand alongside her charges, is another of those responsible for the breathtaking moves on display. Proving especially popular is one of her own innovations: a group routine performed to the beat of traditional Brazilian music. "That really was something!" she admits, between peals of laughter. "We wanted to put together something that was typically Brazilian, which would reveal our girls' sensual side without being seedy. And it really seemed to work," she remarks, an opinion backed up by the crowd's vociferous reaction.

"We know that we've been one of a host of memorable moments at this year's competition. We've had loads of people congratulating us, and that makes us doubly proud. That means that we're doing our jobs well," she adds with a flourish.

'We love what we do'
Having spoken to the ladies in charge, FIFA.com's intrepid reporter decided to seek out the real stars of the show to find out what it is like for them performing in front of thousands of spectators enjoying the best of beach soccer.

According to 21-year-old Priscila, the fans are not shy in expressing their appreciation but keep their comments within the boundaries of good taste: "They make a lot of flirtatious remarks, but it's all good-natured. The odd one or two ask for your phone number, but it doesn't go any further than that." 23-year-old Carla meanwhile, whose stunning looks have not gone unnoticed by a passing group of construction workers, believes restraint is the key. "As long as they're respectful then there's no problem. What Brazilian girl wouldn't enjoy being called gostosa?" she laughs.

Not that being a cheerleader is all fun and games. The girls arrive each day at 8am to have plenty of time to get ready and rehearse any new routines before the action starts. Next up comes the serious stuff of the performance itself, while they are also obliged to mingle with the crowds and hand out free t-shirts. Given the level of exertion involved, the dancers need to be extremely well-prepared. "Of course, the sand makes things a bit more difficult, because your feet sink into it and it can sometimes burn. The heat can also cause problems, but the important thing is what we always say: we love what we do." If the reception they have had so far here in Rio is anything to go by, so does

[Oliver_Kahn]

Originally Posted by Paul (verde-rubros)

What's a beach without bikinis? Cheerleaders have been putting smiles on faces at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Rio.

Brazilian belles turn on the charm

They've got moves to match even the most stylish beach soccer masters.

That team would the champion!

[verde-rubro]

Madjer to the rescue for Portugal

Madjer has been in sparkling form for Portugal and stands far-and-away as the top scorer at Rio 2006.

Held at bay by the solid Bahraini defence for long stretches of their quarter-final, European heavyweights Portugal eventually surged through to the last four courtesy of star player Madjer. Responsible for four of his team's six goals, the left-footed No. 7 practically swung the tie single-handedly, but it will take much more to trouble hosts Brazil on Saturday in what is sure to be a highly exciting semi-final.
"I asked my players not to give the Portuguese too much space because they're a team who counter-attack to perfection," lamented Bahrain coach Gustavo Zlocewick after the game. "I think they respected their opponents too much."

That may be true, but the Europeans also set out to command that respect right from the off. Thus, with three minutes gone, Madjer floated in a pass to Alan, who lobbed the ball over Salah Salman with, of all things, his shoulder. It was a goal of stunning artistry, and although it perfectly exemplified the technical prowess of the Portuguese, Bahrain stoutly refused to fold.

Halfway through the second period, in fact, Abdulla Ismaeel Omar fired in to keep the tie close, following Madjer's first strike of the day (2-1). Only Portugal boast a player as gifted as Madjer, though, and the world's greatest exponent of beach soccer was in determined mood. He put the Selecao first three and then four goals in the clear to all but end the game as a contest (5-1).

Rashed Salem managed to hit back for Bahrain, but that was no more than a consolation as the more experienced Portuguese saw out the rest of the encounter with measured control (6-2).

"From the quarter-finals onwards, it's double-or-nothing in every match," commented a naturally pleased Ze Miguel after the win. "Every game is a kind of final, and that's how I explain the nervousness my players showed at the start. But I'm pleased they were gradually able to find the right way forward."

Referees: Ivo Santos (BRA), Sofien Benchabane (FRA), Erick Chavarria (CRC)

[verde-rubro]

Peerless Brazil march on

Brazil continued their regal progress at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, turning in a supremely confident display against surprise packages Canada to surge into the semi-finals.
Decked out in a blue change strip for the occasion, Alexandre Soares' men dominated from the off against their defensive-minded opponents, who barely troubled Pierre in the Brazilian net. The Canadians' rearguard action was all to no avail, however, as the tournament favourites racked up an emphatic 12-1 win.

Not surprisingly, coach Soares was all smiles after the final buzzer sounded. "It was a real team effort from the boys today," he purred. "Perhaps it wasn't the greatest of spectacles but we stuck to our task, which was to go for goal at all times. What pleased me most was the fact we fought for each other. Now, we need to keep that spirit going in order to win the next two games."

Going into the tie Canada coach Rosario Ongaro was all too aware of the gulf between the two sides. "To beat Brazil we need ten years of investment and hard work," was his frank assessment. And the difference in class quickly became apparent as the tournament favourites made their customary fast start. The honour of opening the scoring fell to the evergreen Junior Negao, who at the ripe old age of 41 showed why he is such a key asset in Soares' side.

Struggling to contain the home side's attacking verve, the Canucks attempted to shore up their creaking defence by leaving the gifted Sipho Sibiya to plough a lone furrow up front. The tactic paid off for the unadventurous outsiders in the first period, and all the hosts had to show for their territorial domination was that solitary Junior strike. It was all change after the restart, though, as the Brazilian front line began to find its rhythm, with Benjamin, Junior, Bueno (2) and Bruno (2) giving the Auriverdes an insurmountable 7-0 lead going into the final period.

Full of praise for the mobility, technique and tactical acumen of the South Americans, coach Ongaro sportingly admitted his side had been outgunned: "Brazil are the best team in the world, and we just have to accept our weaknesses and limitations. Nonetheless, I'm very proud we managed to get this far."

With a semi-final place in the bag and the fans celebrating in the stands, the third period saw Benjamin, Betinho and Co. ease off under the burning Copacabana sun. Sibiya's consolation goal did little to dampen the party atmosphere, and the final 12-1 scoreline gave the joyous crowd more than enough reason to take their celebrations into the streets of Rio.

"The fans really identify with the team," explained Soares, "and they get behind them right from the start. You can really feel the support out on the pitch, and I've no doubt these guys will be just as big heroes as those great players who came before them."

Referees: Pedro Infantes (VEN), Thomasz Grzelinski (POL), Zondo Thabani (RSA)

[verde-rubro]

France stay on track

Solid and patient throughout, Les Bleus came through a potentially tricky quarter-final against a well-drilled Japanese side. While the 3-2 scoreline may suggest a close-run thing, the Asian outfit scored both their goals in the very last minute, thereby injecting a modicum of suspense into an encounter that only ever looked like having one winner. Ready and determined to defend their world crown, France march on to Saturday's semi-final, where they will face the winners of this afternoon's tangel between Argentina and Uruguay.
''That last minute was really tricky for us," admitted French coach Eric Cantona after the game. "We still won on this occasion, but we can't rely on luck every time."'

The early exchanges served to confirm that this would be a hard-fought game. In his first joust with Shingo Terukina, Didier Samoun saw his point-blank shot repelled by the Japanese keeper, who then thwarted Jeremy Basquaise in similar style a few minutes later.

Against a strong Japan side, the French knew they were going to have to remain patient. Courtesy of their rock-solid defence, Les Bleus dominated the first third but were unable to convert their superiority into goals.

A stroke of genius was needed to break the deadlock, and it was duly provided when Jair Cardoso took a throw-in and Samoun darted in at the near post to send a header into the roof of the Japanese net (1:0). Although they tried to hit back swiftly, the East Asians were unable to find any space in which to shoot, as the imperious French rearguard tightened its grip.

But when Takashi Arakaki struck the left upright of Jean-Marie Aubry's goal two minutes into the third period, it seemed to re-energise his side. In the minutes that followed, Japanese attempts on goal became more numerous, though no more fruitful, while France remained as pragmatic as ever. And although Cantona's charges ended up giving themselves a fright by conceding two goals in the final minute, the gulf in class between the two teams meant that the outcome was never in doubt.

''While we put up a good fight, we didn't manage to take control of the game in the third period," declared a disappointed Hiroyuki Torikai after the match. The difference between the sides was efficiency. They converted every chance they created.''

Referees: Carlos Frazao (POR), Francisco Sarmiento (ESP), Faisal Sallam (UAE)

[verde-rubro]

Well its now or never! we have beaten Brasil in there back yard so lets just go and do it we are the 2 team that have scored the most goals.
Quarter-finals

FRA - JPN 3-2
BRA - CAN 12-1
POR - BHR 6-2
ARG - URU 1-2

Semi-finals

29 11 Nov 06 09:30 FRA - URU
30 11 Nov 06 11:00 BRA - POR

[Frank Cunha]

Portugal vs Brasil

can we repeat the score of a couple years ago? I doubt, they just too strong and they will have the fans

[simao20]

any tv coverage for this?

[Frank Cunha]

last time we beat Brasil and then lost to France in the final of the first world cup

so twomorrow we got Portugal vs Brasil and France vs Uruguay

http://www.fpf.pt/seleccoes/praia/mu...ogos_final.php

[Oliver_Kahn]

Uruguay to the final.
They beat Argentina 2-2 (1-0 on penalties).

[verde-rubro]

Oh well we lost so now its France for the 3rd place. but what the fvck why is the world cup held in Brasil twice in the row why not in usa africa asia etc. its a masive advantage for the Brasilians every year.

THE DAY REPLAYED - With numerous personalities from the worlds of football and beach soccer in attendance, the last four teams at Rio de Janeiro 2006 settled the important business of who will contest Sunday's final. Former FIFA President Joao Havelange, Spain coach Joaquin Alonso and Switzerland trainer Angelo Schirinzi will all have been enthralled as two tense semi-finals resulted in celebrations for the South American contenders.

The closest tie of the day saw Uruguay cause yet another upset by dumping world champions France out of the competition on penalties. Few could have predicted the Celeste going so far, but they will be full of belief as they prepare to take on a Brazil team that had the local crowds fearing the worst early on. After allowing Portugal to build an early lead, though, the Auriverde stepped up a gear in the last two periods to leave themselves within sight of the trophy.
France 2-2 (0-1 pens) Uruguay : Les Bleus relinquish title
Had France known beforehand they would not be able to repeat their success of last year, to a man they would surely have chosen a less heartbreaking way to be eliminated. Like Raymond Domenech's men in the Germany 2006 final, however, Les Bleus saw their dreams come crashing to a halt in an agonising penalty shoot-out loss.

"It's a huge disappointment," explained a visibly shaken Laurent Castro after the result. "What makes it even more frustrating is that the Uruguayans made no attempt to go forward, with three men behind the ball and only one striker. Unfortunately, there will always be teams who play like that and it worked for them. If we had gone in with the same attitude, no doubt the result would have been different. All I can say is well done to them, but it hurts."

As in their first four encounters, Uruguay built their success on a straightforward but highly effective approach. Relying on numbers in defence, Venancio Ramos's men - who all changed their hairstyles for the match - waited for France to come at them, hoping to catch them on the break. As a result, Les Bleus constantly found themselves chasing the game.

They perhaps lacked a little efficiency up front too, with Jeremy Basquaise adding: "We tried everything but the ball didn't seem to want to go in the net. We just lacked that little something extra which made the difference for us in our earlier matches. This loss is going to leave a bitter taste in the mouth." For their part, the Charruas are planning to celebrate all day before turning their attentions to the final this evening.

Brazil 7-4 Portugal : Hosts spurred on by local support
For much of this entertaining semi-final, the Portuguese believed themselves on the verge of shocking the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup hosts for a second time in two years. Unlike the Brazil team that had to settle for third place last time around, though, this current line-up have vast depths of mental strength.

Losing 4-2 at the end of the first period, Alexandre Soares's men turned the game on its head in scintillating fashion to clinch a berth in the final and leave the home fans drooling. "All of a sudden we lost our concentration by worrying too much about the referee," commented Madjer afterwards. True or not, the Selecao were given immeasurable help by the boisterous locals and ultimately ended the tie three goals clear.

"Portugal know us inside out and that's undoubtedly why they were able to take the lead so early," offered Soares after the game's conclusio