By Samindra Kunti
May 8 – Brazil were crowned Beach Soccer World Cup champions for a record fifth time after a 6-0 victory over Tahiti in the final in Nassau, Bahamas. Tahiti finish runners-up for second consecutive time.
The final was one-sided with the Brazilians dominating the entire game. After just 14 seconds the South Americans opened the scoring with Mauricinho finding the net after a quick turnover in Tahiti’s half.
Datinha doubled Brazil’s advantage from close range and from then on the Brazilians never looked like relinquishing their lead. Mauricinho, Catarino and Rodrigo twice completed the 6-0 rout to crown Brazil world champions. The Brazilians have gone 35 games unbeaten in the sand.
“We are more than a group of players, of men, we are a team that gave life to the idea of winning this title to honour the name of our country,” said Brazil captain Bruno Xavier. “We are Brazil, we are five-time champions of the world, I am very happy that we can take that conquest back to our country.”
Notwithstanding the drubbing, Tahiti’s reached the final again, no mean feat for an island nation with a population of just under 180,000. In 2015 they lost the World Cup final to then hosts Portugal 5-3.
“Brazil played really well today,” said Tahiti goalkeeper Torohia. “They were a step above us for sure. For us, we didn’t start well, so at the start of the match we weren’t confident. It was really hard. Brazil deserve the World Cup.”
“It’s difficult,” continued Torohia. “Two times we have lost the final of a World Cup. But today there are no regrets from us. Brazil was too strong. Even if we made some mistakes. In one year they played so many matches and never lost. We are happy. Brazil stopped us and they were the only team who beat us.”
Tahiti and Brazil had already met in the group stages when Brazil ran out 4-1 winners in Group D. Tahiti qualified however as runners-up following a nervy 4-3 win again Japan and a 8-4 victory against Poland. In the quarter-finals the team from Oceania defeated Paraguay 6-4 before overcoming Iran on penalties in the last four. If the Tahitians failed to make history in the final, they will surely be among the contenders again come the next World Cup in 2019.
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