2007 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Final

2007 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Final
Event 2007 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup
Date 11 November 2007
Venue Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Referee Ruben Eiriz (Spain)
Attendance 10,000

The 2007 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Final took place between Mexico and Brazil on 11 November 2007 at Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro. Brazil were the winners, winning by eight goals to two. Brazil have beaten fifteen other teams to be crowned 2007 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Winners. It was Brazil's second title in a row.[1]

Roads to the final

Mexico

Mexico started their campaign in group A, along with Brazil, with a tight opening game against Russia, with Mexico eventually seeing them off 2-1 on penalties to earn 2 points. Things were looking bad for Mexico after losing 6-4 to Brazil in the second round of games, putting Russia in the driving seat to take second place in the group and progress to the quarter finals. However, in the final round of games, with Mexico winning 6-3 against the Solomon Islands, and Brazil beating Russia, Mexico sneaked through into the quarter-finals, finishing the group on a meagre 5 points.

Team Pld W W+ L GF GA GD Pts
 Brazil 83210198+11
 Mexico 531111211+1
 Russia 3310296+3
 Solomon Islands 03003722-15


As Mexico were the runners-up of group A, they met the winners of group B, Spain in the quarter-finals. Spain were the favorites to reach the semi-finals but, after coming from behind, Mexico produced a surprising win, and clinched the game 5-4, holding their nerve in the final moments. Mexico moved into the semi-finals against Uruguay. The semi-final was, in the end, an easier battle for Mexico. With the score at 2-2 going into the final 5 minutes, the game seemed poised for extra-time. However 3 goals in the 32nd, 35th and 36th minutes meant Mexico finished off their semi-final in style, and secured their place in the final against Brazil.

Brazil

Brazil started their world cup campaign as defending champions, in group A, along with Mexico, demolishing the Solmon Islands 11-2 in their opening game of the group. Brazil continued to perform well with a 6-4 win against Mexico, however left it late to score 2 goals in the third period to secure the three points. Finally, Brazil met Russia. The game was extremely close, seeing Russia lead 2-1 with three minutes left, but a 33rd minute goal by Sidney sent the game to extra-time and ultimately, penalties. It was a very nerve-racking shoot-out, seeing seven players from each team take a penalty but in the end, it was Brazil who prevailed, taking the 2 points and denying Russia a place in the quarter finals.

Team Pld W W+ L GF GA GD Pts
 Brazil 83210198+11
 Mexico 531111211+1
 Russia 3310296+3
 Solomon Islands 03003722-15


In the quarter-finals, Brazil played the runners-up of group B, Portugal. The two rival nations battled it out in a match full of goals, but it was Brazil's ability to produce goals at any time that saw them beat Portugal 10-7. In the semi-finals Brazil met, 2005 winners, France. It was a simple game for Brazil, winning 6-2, only ever having to deal with French goals in the 1st and 35th minutes, setting up a final with Mexico.

Match details

11 November 2007
Mexico  28  Brazil
Villalobos  14'
Plata  36'
Report André  9', 28'
Bruno  11', 16'
Benjamin  14'
Buru  19'
Betinho  22'
Junior Negão  36'
Copacabana Beach
Attendance: 10 000
Referee: Spain Ruben Eiriz
Mexico
Brazil
GK 12 Miguel Estrada
DF 4 Francisco Cati
DF 6 José Luis Navarrete (c)
W 9 Ricardo Villalobos
W 11 Morgan Plata
Substitutes:
GK 1 Hector Robles
DF 2 Oscar Gonzales  18'
DF 3 Francisco Vargas
P 7 Moises Salazar
P 8 Alejandro Pozos  17'
W 10 Gustavo Rosales
Manager:
Mexico Ramon Raya
GK 1 Mao
P 7 Sidney
DF 8 Junior Negão (c)  17'
P 10 Benjamin
P 11 Buru
Substitutes:
GK 12 Wagner
DF 2 Duda
DF 3 André
DF 4 Betinho
DF 5 Daniel
P 6 Bruno
P 9 Daniel Souza
Manager:
Brazil Alexandre Soares

Overall Statistics

[2]  Mexico  Brazil
Goals scored 2 8
Total shots 24 37
Shots on target 15 18
Own goals 0 0
Overheads 0 0
Ball possession 51% 49%
Corner kicks 1 7
Free kicks 5 2
Fouls committed 12 3
Yellow cards 2 1
Red cards Red card 0 0

See also

References