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Last Updated: May 3, 2017 - 12:59:53 PM |
The Bahamas team won over Ecuador, 4-1, during the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 match on Monday, May 1, 2017 in the National Beach Soccer Arena at Malcolm Park. The Bahamas team comprised Julio Jemison, Gary Joseph, Nesly Jean, Dwayne Forbes, Lesly St Fleur, Jean Francois, Mark Daniels, Renardo McCallum, Kyle Williams, Daron Beneby, Gavin Christie, Ivan Rolle and coach Alexandre Soares. (BIS Photo/Kemuel Stubbs)
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NASSAU, The Bahamas – For Team Bahamas, leaving the competition in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 on a high note was enough to remain in the hearts of the home crowd.
Although the team did not advance to the finals – beating Ecuador 4-1 in Group A solidified The Bahamas as a real contender going forward in FIFA beach soccer world.
The Bahamas finished third in Group A, behind Switzerland and second-placed Senegal.
The stunning play by Team Bahamas sent spectators in the newly constructed National Beach Soccer Arena at Malcolm Park in a frenzy, scoring goal after goal against Ecuador, who made its debut at the soccer games. It was also the first time The Bahamas had a team at such games.
And when it was over Bahamas team captain Gavin Christie underscored how important it was for the win in front of the home crowd on Monday, May 1.
“We came with one thing in mind that we are not leaving without a win,” Christie said immediately after the win.
Earlier, on Saturday, April 29, Team Bahamas faced a disappointing loss to Senegal.
Hundreds filled the National Beach Soccer Arena at Malcolm Park to watch the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017. (BIS Photo/Kemuel Stubbs)
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“We knew we did not play to our potential, and so we came out with all cylinders against Ecuador,” Christie said. “We competed against the world and it shows that The Bahamas can compete at the highest level.”
Lesly St Fleur too said it was certainly a different game against Senegal on Saturday night. “We had to play for our country and family,” he said of the win against Ecuador. Added St Fleur: “Moving forward in beach soccer – to win against a top team like Ecuador – it feels great and we just have to believe it.”
St Fleur also put in perspective what it means to win at this level.
“Scoring a goal in beach soccer – this is great. This one was special. We really appreciate the fans. We put in so much work. It opens everything back up for things going forward. We have a lot of big competitions coming up.”
Another team member Kyle Williams said beach soccer is unlike the conventional soccer game -- even though the technique is the same, you are playing on the sand so it is more challenging.
Dancers put on a show for the crowd in the National Beach Soccer Arena at Malcolm Park, during the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017. (BIS Photo/Kemuel Stubbs)
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The Bahamas team comprised Julio Jemison, Gary Joseph, Nesly Jean, Dwayne Forbes, Lesly St Fleur, Jean Francois, Mark Daniels, Renardo McCallum, Kyle Williams, Daron Beneby, Gavin Christie, Ivan Rolle and coach Alexandre Soares.
The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is a biennial international beach soccer competition contested by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA, the sport's global governing body.
FIFA started the bidding process in April 2013 and in December 2014; The Bahamas was appointed as host, for the first time. The tournament is April 27 to May 7, 2017. Players comprise 16 teams competing initially in four groups of four teams. They include The Bahamas, Ecuador, Senegal and Switzerland in Group A. Iran, Italy, Mexico and Nigeria in Group B. Panama, Paraguay, Portugal and UAE in Group C and Brazil, Japan, Poland and Tahiti in Group D.
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