England saw a double victory on Day 2 in Nazaré as the Lionesses swept aside Czech Republic and the men tussled with Estonia to win a point.
WOMEN (Women's EBSL Nazare)
Former European champions England played their first match in the new Euro Beach Soccer League, against a Czech side who had missed out the previous day against Russia. The Lionesses controlled the possession from the kick-off and were rewarded when Wendy Martin, who made her debut with the team in the Qatar World Beach Games in 2019, looped a header over the stranded Sladka. Molly Clark then powered in a bicycle kick before the first whistle and the squad of Steven Clark, who oversaw his first game as head coach, lead at the break. Hillier then met a superb Barron cross to make it three in the second period, despite Czech Republic forcing numerous defensive scrambles and saves. However, the was no stopping the goals, as Meiwald tucked in number four from close range, before Martin stretched to block a goal line clearance which deflected off her for a second goal for the ex-Tottenham player.
As the score line reflected, Black’s ladies totally controlled the pace of their opening game and took an essential three points. Czech Republic are now unable to win the Regular Stage title, whereas England and Russia will play tomorrow to see who will make the final on Sunday. Goals: 1-0: Martin, min. 9 (1); 2-0: Clark, min. 4 (1); 3-0: Hillier, min. 7 (2); 4-0: Meiwald, min. 3 (2); 5-0: Martin, min. 1 (2); MEN - (FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup European Qualifier - Preliminary Round) In the Preliminary Round of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup European Qualifier, the Three Lions left it late to snatch a precious point and go top of Group B. Estonia went 2-0 up after Marmor netted once in each of the first two periods, but a nice individual goal by James Temple, and then a spectacular overhead by Captain Clarke in the dying seconds saw extra time forced.
The match went to penalties, and keeper Tommy Jackson was the man of the moment as he pulled off a sublime stop to help England win an essential point in their quest to reach the Main Round of the qualifier, and go top of the group.
EURO BEACH SOCCER LEAGUE NAZARÉ 2021 (Division A Regular Stage) Results today - 18.06.2021: MEN UKR 3(5)-(4)3 AZE POR 10-1 GER ITA 2(5)-(3)2 POL ESP 5-3 TUR SUI vs FRA RUS vs BLR WOMEN ENG 5-0 CZE SUI 6-1 UKR ESP vs NED
All matches LIVE on beachsoccer.com/watch/