NASSAU, Bahamas – The United States and Mexico have clinched berths in the 2023 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the United Arab Emirates following their victories on Saturday in the semifinals of the 2023 Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship at the Malcolm Beach Soccer Facility in Nassau, Bahamas.
The day started with a rematch of the 2021 CBSC Final between the U.S. and El Salvador. Two years ago, El Salvador took home the win, but this time around, the spoils belonged to the U.S. in a 5-2 victory.
Nick Perera scored the lone goal in the first period to hand the U.S. a 1-0 lead, and then it was 2-0 after two periods thanks to a goal from Nicolas Perea.
That set the stage for a thrilling third period, beginning with a Heber Ramos goal for El Salvador. The U.S. quickly answered through Perera and then stretched the lead to 4-1 courtesy of Gabriel Silveira.
A score from Tomas Canale added some extra cushion, but the defending champions refused to throw in the towel, as Francisco Velasquez scored to make it 5-2 with minutes to go.
In the end, though, the U.S. would hang on to cement their place in Sunday’s Final and secure their seventh Beach Soccer World Cup spot.
In the nightcap, four-time CBSC champions Mexico topped Bahamas 3-2 to seal their place in the Final and a seventh World Cup berth.
El Tricolor enjoyed a strong start and held a 2-0 lead after one period on a Bahamas own goal and an Edgar Portilla score.
Bahamas would battle back in the second period as GK Michael Butler struck to make it 2-1 heading into the final period. Wood Julmis of the Bahamas then scored midway through the third period to level the score at 2-2.
Just when it looked like an extra period would be needed, Mexico GK Gabriel Macias scored in the final minute to hand Mexico the dramatic victory.
With Saturday’s results, the U.S. will take on Mexico in the Final on Sunday, while El Salvador will meet Bahamas in the Third-Place Game.
