RIO DE JANEIRO (November 7, 2006) - The U.S. Beach Soccer team closed out their participation at the 2006 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup at Copacabana Beach with a 10-6 loss to Brazil in the final match of group play.
Despite inspired play by U.S. forward Raphael Xexeo, the U.S. was unable to overcome the 6-3 score at the end of the first period. After the second period, the Brazilians were ahead 9-5 and both teams tallied one in the final period for a 10-6 final score.
In the other Group A match, Poland defeated Japan, 8-5, but will also head home due to goal differential among the three teams, who are all tied on points.
The tournament quarterfinals will take place on Thursday, Nov. 9, with France facing Japan, Brazil taking on Canada, Portugal squaring up against Bahrain and Argentina battling Uruguay. Semifinals will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, with the third place match and final set for Sunday, Nov. 12.
U.S. Beach Soccer 2006 FIFA World Cup Schedule/Results Date Opponent Result Nov. 3 Japan 4-8 L
Nov. 5 Poland 4-2 W
Nov. 7 Brazil 6-10 L
U.S. Beach Soccer Roster GOALKEEPERS (2): 1-Luiz Montanez, 12-Bayard Elfvin;
DEFENDERS (4): 5-Benyam Astorga, 9-Zak Ibsen, 2-Austin Roman, 3-Brendon Taguinod;
FORWARDS (6): 10-Francis Farberoff, 11-Raphael Xexeo, 7-Noah Merl, 8-Anthony Chimienti, 6-Ronald Silva, 4-Yuri Morales.
Head coach: Roberto Ceciliano
Group A Teams W L GF GA GD Pts Brazil 3 0 29 10 +19 9
Japan 1 2 15 22 -7 3
Poland 1 2 12 18 -6 3
USA 1 2 14 20 -6 3
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