Brazil clinch fifth CONMEBOL Liga Evolución Beach Soccer title
· Yahoo Sports
Brazil wins fifth CONMEBOL Evolution League Beach Soccer championshipCredits: Divulgação/CONMEBOL
Visit asg-reflektory.pl for more information.
Brazil’s nemesis in the last two editions of the CONMEBOL Evolution League Beach Soccer (2023 and 2024), Paraguay tried hard to spoil the Brazilian party once again, but this time, it didn’t happen. Showing the strength of the seven-time world champions, Brazil’s U-20 and Senior National Teams once again took the country to the top of the podium, just as they did in 2017, 18, 19, and 22.
The fifth South American championship title electrified the crowd at the arena set up on Enseada Beach, in Guarujá, on the coast of São Paulo.
A Saturday of scares and a Benjamin Jr. show
The CONMEBOL Evolution League final is always played over four matches, two in the U-20 category and two in the senior category. On Saturday (7th), each category played once. The U-20s went first, opening a 4-2 lead, but couldn’t hold back the Paraguayan momentum in the third period. The strong opposing team turned the game around and finished with a 5-4 victory. The newcomers to the Brazilian squad, João Pedro and Gabriel, along with pivot Raí and defender Warlison, scored the goals for coach Juninho’s team.
Next, it was time for the senior teams to face off. Everyone expected a balanced match, as is always the case between Brazil and Paraguay. They just forgot to tell winger Benjamin Jr. The Flamengo star scored no less than five of Brazil’s nine goals in the 9-3 rout. Captain Rodrigo, along with Catarino, goalkeeper Bobô, and Martinez (own goal), completed the tally.
A Sunday of triumph
With the standings tied, each country having three points, Brazil had the advantage on goal difference. However, that didn’t lessen the pressure on the young U-20 squad, who wanted to avenge Saturday’s defeat. Showing great determination from the opening whistle, the Brazilian youngsters overcame adversity and, in the final moments, Eduardo scored to seal a 4-3 victory. Warlison, Gabriel Lemos, and goalkeeper Girlian also found the net.
Brazil wins fifth CONMEBOL Evolution League Beach Soccer championshipCredits: DIVULGAÇÃO/CONMEBOL
The result put Brazil very close to clinching the title. The Senior National Team would only need a win, even if by penalties (in beach soccer, a penalty shootout win is worth just 1 point), or could even lose in overtime (Paraguay would only get 2 points) or on penalties. But, in front of a packed arena at Enseada Beach, coach Chicão Castelo Branco’s team went on the attack and won convincingly: 6-3, with Antonio, Benjamin Jr., Catarino, Mauricinho, Rodrigo, and Túlio Silva scoring for Brazil.
You never forget your first title
Maranhão native Chicão Castelo Branco celebrated his first title as head coach of the Brazilian National Team with emotion. Although he had already lifted trophies when coaching the U-20 National Team in 2017 and 2018, and the 2017 World Cup as assistant coach, this was his first achievement as head coach. And it felt different.
“There is nothing more important in sports than defending your country’s colors. That’s why this victory moves me. I remembered the happy moments I had here as coach of the first U-20 National Team in history, the fifth world title with the Senior National Team, which had gone a few years without a win. And now, bringing the Evolution League title back to Brazil. Congratulations to all the athletes, the coaching staff, and the CBF management. This unity among everyone is what will keep Brazil on the path to great achievements,” said the Brazilian coach, who added:
“I dedicate this title to women, on this International Women’s Day, especially those in my family and all those who build women’s beach soccer with much love and dedication.”
Captain Rodrigo also spoke about the importance of the victory in Guarujá.
“Winning in this jersey is always an honor, a source of great pride for all of us. But we really wanted to bring this title back to Brazil again. It was amazing to bring joy to the fans who packed the arena,” celebrated the number 9.
Brazil wins fifth CONMEBOL Evolution League Beach Soccer championshipCredits: Divulgação/CONMEBOL
Head coach of the U-20 National Team and eternal idol of Brazilian beach soccer, multi-champion with the Seleção in the 1990s, Juninho praised the reaction of his young players.
“It’s not easy to wear this heavy Brazil jersey. On Saturday, we ended up suffering a setback in a way we didn’t expect, but today these boys were brave, showed a lot of grit, and deserved to win. Because of the excellent preparation we had at Granja Comary, I trusted my players would bounce back. Congratulations to all of them,” he said.
Match details
Saturday, 3/7
- U-20: Paraguay 5 x 4 Brazil - Brazil goals: Gabriel, João Pedro, Raí, and Warlison
- Senior: Paraguay 3 x 9 Brazil - Brazil goals: Benjamin Jr. (5), Bobô, Catarino, Rodrigo, and Martinez (own goal)
Sunday, 3/8
- U-20: Brazil 4 x 3 Paraguay - Brazil goals: Eduardo, Gabriel Lemos, Girlian, and Warlison
- Senior: Brazil 6 x 3 Paraguay - Brazil goals: Antonio, Benjamin Jr., Catarino, Mauricinho, Rodrigo, and Túlio
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.