El Salvador and Costa Rica out of the blue...

Reprinted from BSWW

The fishermen of La Pirraya have done it again. A packed beach arena at the Unidad Deportiva Agustin Contreras Flores witnessed how El Salvador, led by an inspiring Agustin, top scorer at last year’s Puerto Vallarta showdown, blew away the American dream. An enlightening 5-3 victory over the USA led Rudis Gonzalez’ bunch to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, where they will represent their country for a second straight year.

Not Mexico, but Costa Rica will join El Salvador to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 to take place in Dubai from November 16-22. Los Ticos qualify for the global showcase as Mexico’s stamina went all the way down when the most important part of the competition arrived. Despite the presence of 3000 over excited Mexican fans, the runner-up World Champions of 2007 weren’t able to overcome Christian Ovares’ men in the regular time of play, nor extra-time, taking the clash to the penalty spot. Rosales, in charge to net el Tri’s second, hit the post, giving Costa Rica striker Mora the opportunity to make history. Mora didn’t fail and rewarded his team the World Cup dream.

Tomorrow El Salvador and Costa Rica meet in the final to decide who rules the North and Central Americans.

Considerably in the shadow of the Dubai deciders, Canada snatched fifth place edging past Bahamas 4-3. Both sides came to Mexico to kick-off or start over their beach soccer story and by moments displayed the enormeous potential they possess. During the Puerto Vallarta showdown Coaches Ongaro and Ceciliano completed their notebooks to work hard to improve for next occassions to come.

Results and match schedule (GMT -6)

Wed 17.06.09 1 1700 USA 6 x 2 Bahamas
2 1815 Mexico 10 x 0 Canada

Thu 18.06.09 3 1700 Costa Rica 3 x 0 Bahamas
4 1815 El Salvador 8 x 6 Canada

Fri 19.06.09 5 1700 USA 6 x 1 Costa Rica
6 1815 Mexico 4 x 1 El Salvador


SEMI-FINALS*

Sat 20.06.09 7 5th & 6th Place 15h45 Canada 4 vs. 3 Bahamas
8 (Semi-final 1) 17h00 USA 3 vs. 5 El Salvador
9 (Semi-final 2) 18h15 Mexico (1)2 vs. 2(2) Costa Rica

*the order of Semi-finals kick-off times may be altered by the Organizing Committee

PLAY-OFF FOR THIRD / FOURTH PLACE & FINAL

Sun 21.06.09 10 (Play-off 3rd/4th) 17h30 USA vs. Mexico
11 (Final) 18h45 El Salvador vs. Costa Rica