BEACH SOCCER GROUPS SET FOR RUSSIA 2021

The draw for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021™ unfolded today at the Home of FIFA in Zurich.

Record five-time champions Brazil will square off against Switzerland, whom they beat in a thrilling Dubai 2009 final, 2011 semi-finalists El Salvador and Belarus in a mouth-watering Group C.

The current title-holders Portugal will play Senegal, Uruguay and Oman in Group D, while Tahiti, the two-time runners-up, face an intriguing clash with Spain in Group B. United Arab Emirates and tournament newcomers Mozambique make up the pool.

Hosts Football Union of Russia will kick off the tournament on 19 August against the USA, with the teams of Japan and Paraguay completing Group A.

Group A
Russian Football Union
United States of America
Paraguay
Japan

Group B
Mozambique
Spain
UAE
Tahiti

Group C
Belarus
El Salvador
Switzerland
Brazil

Group D
Portugal
Oman
Senegal
Uruguay

“It’s a really difficult group,” said Brazil captain Bruno Xavier. “It’s certainly the toughest group. Belarus are a great side. Nico is an excellent coach and he knows Brazil very well.  Switzerland have been one of the toughest opponents for years, and El Salvador are another really strong side who did really well in qualifying. It’s wide open.”

Switzerland coach Angelo Schirinzi added: “It is a very difficult group. We don’t have to discuss Brazil. Belarus and El Salvador are also top teams. “But it’s a World Cup, so it’s a big challenge. I’m really looking forward to the tournament.” Switzerland, as the fifth best team from the European Qualifiers, is replacing Ukraine at the tournament, who decided not to take part in the tournament.

Portugal legend Madjer, who helped conduct the draw, said: “It’s going to be a tough tournament. Portugal will face three national teams we know quite well because we played against them in previous World Cups. We hope to go through.”

Source: https://beachsoccer.com/