Swiss make winning start in beach soccer

The new Euro beach soccer league has kicked off in Switzerland with the hosts impressing in their first outing.

The first stage is being held in Bern with six more countries due to host the tournament, and the final to be played in Valencia.

The Swiss began their campaign by beating Turkey 6-4 in a thriller in front of their home fans.

The home side, who were runners-up at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, started strongly going 2-0 up through Dejan Stankovic.

But Turkey, who were recently promoted to this competition, turned things around and were 4-2 up going into the final period.

However Switzerland dug deep and Kaspar Jaeggy’s late strike put them 5-4 ahead.

The Swiss are now level on points with Spain at the top of Group A.

The Spaniards beat Italy 5-3 in their opening match of the tournament.

They started strongly and took the lead after 10 minutes when debutant Aceiton scored with this diving header.

The Italians fought back though, and levelled the game at 2-2 with Ramacciotti’s spectacular free-kick.

But last season’s runners-up Spain had too much for the Azzuri and Nico sealed their victory.

In Group B, Israel got off to a flying start with a 6-3 win Norway, though they were made to work for it.

The Norwegians got off to an excellent start and were 2-0 up inside 12 minutes, Tome-Rune Sorensen getting both goals.

Israel, who have never made it to the final stages of the competition before, fought back and Thazi Lloz scored a quick-fire hat-trick to put them 3-2 ahead.

From there on the Middle East outfit grew in confidence and Amer Yatim sealed the win to put Israel top of Group B.

They will look to cement top spot against the Ukraine tomorrow, while Norway must beat the same nation later to have any chance of progressing.