MINSK, 20 August (BelTA) – Belarus will play its first match of the 2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Moscow on 20 August, BelTA has learned.
In Group C Belarus will play Salvador (20 August), Switzerland (22 August) and Brazil (24 August). Before their departure to the Russian capital the Belarusian team played two tests matches against the UAE in Minsk. The hosts won the first match 6-1. The second match ended in a draw, 2-2, and Belarus prevailed 4-3 in a shootout. The official Belarusian roster for the 2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup comprises 14 players: goalkeepers: Kanstantsin Mahaletski, Uladzimir Ustsinovich, Stanislau Kliashchuk; defenders, forwards and midfield players: Vadzim Bokach, Ivan Kanstantsinau, Aleh Hapon, Mikita Chaikovski, Anatoliy Ryabko,Yury Piatrouski, Yauheni Novikau, Yahor Hardzetski, Artsemi Drozd, Anton Akulich, Uladzislau Batsiunia.
On 19 August the first matches took place in two quarters: Group A: Russia 5-4 USA (overtime), Japan 7-4 Paraguay; Group B: Spain 8-4 Mozambique, UAE 4-3 Tahiti (overtime). On 20 August the world reining champion Portugal will face Oman, while Uruguay will take on Senegal in Group D. The best two teams in each group will advance to the playoffs. The quarterfinals are scheduled for 26 August, the semifinals - 28 August and the medal matches - 29 August.
Belarus will play in the final stage of the world championship for the second time. Their debut took place in Paraguay's Asuncion in 2019. Back then, Belarus did not make it to the quarterfinals, finishing 3rd in their group. Two years ago Portugal won the champion title defeating Italy 6-4 in the final. Bronze went to Russia that beat Japan 5-4. Brazil holds 14 champion titles. Portugal won the event three times, Russia – twice, and France was the world champion once.
