Senegal beat Spain in opener at FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Seychelles 2025™

African champions Senegal got their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Seychelles 2025™ Group C campaign off to the perfect start with a comprehensible 4-1 win over Spain at the Paradise Arena in Victoria on Friday.

Senegal needed a positive start in a tough pool that also includes Chile and Tahiti, and they delivered with an accomplished, professional performance.   

They took an early lead through Sanou Laye Thiaw and then doubled their advantage as Al Seyni Ndiaye netted at the end of the second period.

That was extended to 3-0 when Sidy Fall scored again, but there was a brief set-back as Antonio Mayor pulled a goal back for Spain.  

Mamadou Sylla scored straight from the kick-off to restore Senegal’s three-goal advantage as they kept up their unbeaten record in competitive matches against Spain.

In the opening game of Group C, debutantes Chile edged fancied Tahiti in a 13-goal thriller with a stunning 7-6 win. 

The first period was also level at 2-2, but Chile moved into a 6-4 lead by the end of the second. The Pacific Ocean islanders fought back in the third period but could not force the game into extra-time. 

It was a feisty encounter in which five yellow cards were handed out, three for the Tahitians.  

Defending champions Brazil were made to work for their 3-1 Group D victory over El Salvador.

The match was tied at 1-1 into the third period, but goals from Thanger, with a superb bicycle-kick, and Lucio got Brazil off to a winning start in their title defence.

Last year’s beaten finalists Italy started their Group D campaign with a 7-4 victory over Oman in a thrilling encounter at the start of the second day.

The game was tied at 2-2 after the first period, before Italy eased 4-3 in front and a pair of goals from Josep Junior Gentilin towards the end of the game settled the contest in their favour.