Sunday, November 12, 2006

Brazil beats Uruguay 4-1 to win Beach Soccer World Cup

Brazil scored two goals in the final period to beat Uruguay 4-1 Sunday and win FIFA's Beach Soccer World Cup.

Buru, Duda, Benjamin and Sidney scored a goal each for the hosts, who clinched their 10th beach soccer title. Brazil was held to third place in FIFA's inaugural tournament last year on Copacabana beach.

Brazil won all six of its matches en route to this year's title, its first since 2004.

Buru scored first in the first period, while Uruguay equalized in the second with a goal by Ricar. Brazil retook the lead still in the second when Benjamin scored, and Duda and Sidney sealed the victory in front of nearly 7,000 fans with goals in the third period.

Defending champion France, upset by Uruguay in the semifinals, finished third by beating Portugal 6-4 in a rematch of last year's final.

This year's tournament had 16 teams, four more than in 2005. More than 40 nations tried to qualify for the competition.

Portugal striker Madjer finished as the tournament's leading scorer with 21 goals.

The championship trophy was presented to Brazil captain Junior Negao by former FIFA president Joao Havelange.

Beach soccer is played on a sand field about 40 meters (120 feet) long and 30 meters (90 feet) wide. Each match is divided into three periods of 12 minutes, and substitutions are unlimited.