Spain defeated France 2-1 in the top derby of Group A’s second day, to reach the final, making it 2/2 in the competition. Regardless of the outcome of the match against hosts Greece in the third-round match on Monday 11 September (17.30), the “Fura rojas” have secured top spot in the group.

“I am very happy to have scored such an important goal for my country,” said a visibly emotional Ardil Navarro, the scorer of Spain’s winning goal, while noting that “after the match against Greece we will think about the final”.

On the losing side, captain Guentin Gosselen appeared disappointed, despite having the lead in the match for two twelfths, stressing: “We lost a very important match in the details, but we have to pick up… and look to the rest of the tournament.”

In the other Group A match, Morocco showed their superiority by beating Greece 11-3! The hosts, after their second consecutive defeat, finished seventh in the tournament, while the Moroccans will challenge France for second place in the group in the last match of the final round to claim the bronze medal on Tuesday, September 12th.

The Moroccans dedicated their victory to the victims of the deadly earthquake that struck their country, a fact that was also emphasised by their Senegalese coach, Umar Sylla, after the match: “We are devastated by the disaster. But we have faith in God and we hope the country will find a way to recover from this mega shock.”

In Group B, after a great derby, decided in three-minute extra time, Portugal beat Egypt 5-3 (3-3 in regulation). The final group ranking will be decided in the decisive match of the 3rd round between Italy and Portugal.

All the results and schedule of the beach soccer tournament, HERE.