Brazil and Japan reach final of NEOM Beach Soccer Cup 2023

NEOM: Japan and Brazil are through to the final of the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup 2023 after winning their final group matches against Saudi Arabia and Spain to top Groups A and B respectively with a maximum of nine points each.

Germany and UAE will face each other in the third-place playoff, while the match to decide between fifth and sixth positions will be contested between Spain and England.

In their final match of Group B, favorites Brazilian overwhelmed Spain 8-2 to secure a place in Saturday’s final.

The South American team took the lead through Edson Hulk with less than three minutes left in the opening period, but their joy was short-lived as Soleiman Batis found the equalizer moments after. However, Jose Lucas ensured Brazil took a lead into the break, scoring with less than a minute left in the first period.

The second half saw a dominant display from the Brazilians, who scored four times with Mauricinho capturing a brace, and Filipe Silva and Hulk claiming one each. Alvaro Otero scored Spain’s only goal in the period.

Hulk and Mauricinho both completed their hat-tricks in the third period, capping off a perfect run in the group stages for Brazil.

In Group A, Japan reached the final with an emphatic 5-1 win over Saudi Arabia.

A stunning free-kick from Mubarak Alduoasri put the host nation in front in the opening minute of the first period, but the in-form Japanese side found the leveler as Yuki Kibune tucked the ball home at the near post.

The second period of play belonged to Japan as they added four goals through Takuya Akaguma, Kosuke Matsuda, Takahito Yamada and Kibune’s second of the night.

Neither side found the net in the final period as Japan finished the group stage with a perfect nine points.

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