2008 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Final
| Event | 2008 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup | ||||||
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| Date | 27 July 2008 | ||||||
| Venue | Plage du Prado, Marseille | ||||||
| Referee | Istvan Meszaros (Hungary) | ||||||
| Attendance | 7,000 | ||||||
The 2008 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Final took place between Italy and Brazil on 27 July 2008 at the Plage du Prado. Brazil were the winners, winning by five goals to three. Brazil have beaten fifteen other teams to be crowned FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2008 Winners. It was Brazil's third title in a row.
Italy started their campaign in group B, with a good opening game against the Solomon Islands, winning 7-4. Italy confirmed their place in the quarter-finals, beating El Salvador 4-1 and taking themselves up to 6 points. In Italy's final game they went down 3-0 to Portugal. Italy battled back and took it into extra time at 4-4. It looked to be heading for penalties but a last minute goal by Madjer meant Portugal won the game and the group.
As Italy were the runners-up of group B, they met the winners of group A, France in the quarter-finals. As France were the hosts they were the favorites to reach the semi-finals. Surprisingly, Italy went up 5-0. France did all they could to get back into the game but Italy held out. With the final score at 5-2 they moved into the semi-finals against Spain. The semi-final was a different battle. Italy were 1-0 down after just 2 minutes. However 2 goals in 2 minutes meant Italy went ahead for the first time. Again Spain looked threatening bringing it back to 2-2 and 10 minutes later, 3-2. The scoreline continued to change and by the end of normal time the score was 4-4. Extra time was uneventful which meant penalties. Amarelle stepped up and hit the post which meant it was all down to Massimiliano Esposito to finish the job. His first attempt was saved but it had to be re-taken. Esposito hit the ball down the center and sent Italy into the final to face Brazil.
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