|
From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Sports
The Bahamas faces Switzerland first when the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017 kicks off on April 27. The Beach Soccer World Cup takes place in beautiful Nassau, Bahamas, and will attract competitors from 15 other countries including Brazil, Italy, Ecuador, Senegal and Mexico to name a few. During the official draw ceremony, held at the Atlantis Theatre on Paradise Island on February 28, Prime Minister Perry Christie said the country takes “great pride in hosting” the cup. “I am very encouraged and proud of the growing partnership between The Bahamas Football Association and FIFA, and the resulting goodwill and support by FIFA to the development of football in our nation. The results have been real and tangible and we thank this worldwide body for all that they have done and will do in the future,” the prime minister said. “I invite the world to come to The Bahamas and to be a part of an exciting event, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017. I look forward to keen competition from the sixteen teams that will compete in this event. Beach Soccer is a relatively new sport but it is one that is gaining in popularity in terms of worldwide competition.” The Bahamas will play against Senegal on Saturday, April 29 and Ecuador on Monday, May 1. The 16 teams are divided into four groups for the cup. The first and second place finishers from each group will advance to the quarter finals, which will take place on Thursday, May 4.
The teams were divided into the following groups: Group A – The Bahamas, Switzerland, Ecuador and Senegal. Group B – Nigeria, Italy, the champion of Asia (decided by March 11) and Mexico. Group C – The second-place champion of Asia (decided by March 11), Paraguay, Portugal and Panama. Group D – Brazil, Tahiti, the third-place champion of Asia (decided by March 11) and Poland. The tournament runs from April 27 to May 7. For more information visit fifa.com and Bahamas.com.
|
