MIAMI, Florida – The United States kicked off their campaign in the 2024 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the United Arab Emirates with a 3-1 defeat to Italy in Group A on Thursday at the Dubai Design District Stadium in Dubai.
Italy grabbed an early 1-0 lead on a goal through Josep Junior Gentilin, but the U.S. would answer with an equalizer with just 1:22 left in the first period, as Conner Rezende slid home a left-footed shot.
But at the end of the first period Italy would hold a 2-1 lead thanks to Emmanuele Zurlo tucking home a shot from just a few yards out.
Marco Giordani extended the Italy lead to 3-1 a little past midway of the second period, making the comeback task tougher for the U.S.
The 2023 Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship winners had a few other looks at goal the rest of the way, but were unable to find the back of the net, resulting in the 3-1 final.
Mexico vs Portugal
Mexico will open their 2024 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on Friday in their Group D opener against Portugal at the Dubai Design District Stadium in Dubai.
El Tricolor are embarking on their seventh World Cup and have a strong anchor in GK Gabriel Macias, who also notched four goals in the 2023 CBSC, as did FW Diego Martinez.
Portugal are in their 11th World Cup and emerged as one of the winners of the UEFA World Cup Play-Offs.
