MINSK, 13 September (BelTA) – Belarus has become the first semifinalist of the ongoing Euro Beach Soccer League Superfinal Alghero 2024, BelTA has learned.
Belarus were to play their opening match of the playoffs against Estonia on 13 September. The match, however, did not take place.
The Belarusian team went on the field and held a pre-game warmup, but the Estonians failed to appear at the match. Estonia would be awarded a technical defeat. Head coach of the Belarusian team, Spanish specialist Nicolas Alvarado emphasized that his men practiced a lot before the game, but contrary to sporting principles, the Estonian team was not allowed to play. Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Beach Soccer Federation Aleksandr Baranov said that a working meeting with the leadership of the International Beach Soccer Federation had been held that morning. “They had talks with representatives of Estonia. Unfortunately, the Estonian team did not agree to play against us in the quarterfinal. It is an extraordinary situation for beach soccer. Frankly speaking, it is sad that the strong Estonian team that played some good matches and so easily gave up on the semifinal spot,” Aleksandr Baranov said in an interview to Belarus 5 TV Channel.
Belarus completed the first stage atop Group B, defeating Switzerland 9-6, Moldova 8-0, and France 6-3. On 14 September Belarus will face either Portugal or Switzerland for a spot in the final.
The other two quarterfinals on 13 September will feature reigning champion Italy against the Czech Republic, and Spain and Poland. The semifinals will take place on 14 September, with the medal games slated for 15 September.
Italy won the 2023 Euro Beach Soccer League beating Spain 5-4 in the final. Belarus secured bronze defeating Portugal 6-5. Belarus won silver in the 2021 edition of the tournament.
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