Russia defended their beach soccer crown after beating Spain in the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup final on Sunday.
Russia won 5-1 in what was a tense but low-key affair with few goals in the opening period, followed by a high-scoring middle period middle period, which put the game out of the Spaniards’ reach.
Anton Shkarin opened the scoring for the world champions 30 seconds into the second period with a flying volley that bobbled over the line and through a group of players.
Kirill Romanov doubled the lead a few minutes later with a neat finish on a counter-attack.
The contest was virtually over midway through the second period with Yury Krasheninnikov finishing again at the end of a fast move upfield.
Spain finally got on the scoreboard after a few near-misses before the final break with a great flying volley from Llorenc.
In the end, though,it was a comfortable win for the defending champions.
sports@thenational.ae
