Swiss team reaches semifinals at Beach Soccer Euro in Viareggio

On the sandy pitch in Viareggio, while the sun sparkles over the sea, the Swiss Nati are fighting for a place in the semi‑final of the Beachsoccer European Championship. Thanks to a repeatedly strong comeback, they beat Belarus 7‑6 after a hard‑fought third group match that kept the game exciting until the last minute.

Exciting comeback against Belarus

The match against the Belarusians started with a deficit: after the first third it was 1‑3, in the second third 3‑4. The early deficit made the battle for the lead especially intense. In the final third the Swiss equalised briefly to 5‑5, but Belarus took the lead again four minutes before the end with 6‑5.

Glenn Hodel, a two‑time scorer, and Jérôme Knöpfli used the final minute of play: within just about 40 seconds each scored a goal, resulting in a final score of 7‑6 and allowing Switzerland to reach the semi‑final.

Thus, after the third group match Switzerland can no longer be displaced from one of the top two places and secures a spot in the European Championship semi‑final, which will be held in Italy (ITA).

Semi‑final looming

The semi‑finals take place on Saturday; Switzerland’s opponent will be determined on Friday evening. The Swiss women’s team has already been eliminated, after losing 2‑7 in the second group match against Portugal and thus finishing last.

The Swiss women finished the three‑team group with Ukraine and Portugal at the bottom after two defeats, while the men continue to fight for the title.

The Nati’s success underlines the growing level of beach soccer in Switzerland and gives hope for further strong performances at future international tournaments.