MOSCOW, Russia – The United States were unable to hold off a strong Japan side, falling 4-3 in their second match of Group A of the 2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on Saturday at Luzhniki Beach Soccer Stadium in Moscow, Russia.
It was a bright start for the U.S., as Gabe Silveira struck early to hand the 2021 Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship runners-up a 1-0 lead.
However, Japan responded with three straight goals to put the U.S. in a 3-1 hole early in the third period.
Alessandro Canale scored his third goal of the 2021 FBSWC to bring the U.S. to within 3-2, but Japan once again scored to make it 4-2.
The U.S. hung tough and got to within 4-3 thanks to a goal from Nicolas Perea, but Japan would see things out to collect the victory.
Next up for the U.S. will be their group stage finale versus Paraguay on Monday.
On Sunday, El Salvador will take on Brazil in their second match of the tournament in hopes of securing their first three points after a penalty shootout defeat to Belarus in their opener on Friday.
Heber Ramos and Ruben Batres lead the El Salvador team in scoring with two goals each thus far.
It will be the first meeting between El Salvador and Brazil at a FBSWC.
