Viareggio: Penalty decides, Nati secures Euro bronze

In the third‑place match in Viareggio, which was played on 13 September 2026, a final penalty decided the fate of the Swiss Beachsoccer‑Nati: Tobias Thygesen Pilgaard missed, after a dramatic penalty shootout that lasted several minutes, allowing the team to secure the European Championship bronze.

Match Progress and Lead

One day after the semifinal defeat to Italy, the team of coach Angelo Schirinzi approached the third‑place match. The Swiss Beachsoccer‑Nati wanted to make up for the disappointing result in the duel with Denmark.

In the final third of the game, Switzerland turned the tide and led until two minutes from the end with 7‑5. The score of 12‑11 for Switzerland showed that the nerves of both teams were heavily taxed. However, the shooters of both teams did not score any goals, which stretched the decision out enormously.

Penalty Shootout and Decision

22 seconds before the final whistle, Denmark, however, equalised. The match went into a three‑minute extra time, in which both teams continued to fight for the win.

In extra time, Glenn Hodel hit what appeared to be a winning goal. However, the Nati could not hold onto the lead. Six seconds before the end, Villads de Fries equalised for Denmark.

The subsequent penalty shootout was not for the faint‑hearted. As none of the shooters from either team scored a goal, the decision stretched over several minutes. The fate was decided on the final kick. With the score at 12‑11 for Switzerland, Tobias Thygesen Pilgaard stepped up for Denmark.

Pilgaard placed his attempt beside the goal and missed, thereby awarding the European Championship bronze to the Swiss Beachsoccer‑Nati. The decision in the duel therefore came down to the penalty and secured the victory.

Thus the Beachsoccer national team concluded the European Championships in Italy with a feeling of success. The bronze place is a significant moment for the Swiss Beachsoccer‑Nati.