In Portuguese Nazaré, the Ukrainian beach soccer team started their qualification for the EuroLeague-2021 Super Final with a victory.

Today, under coach Mykola Kostenko, the team played their first match in the EuroLeague-2021 qualifying stage against Germany.

The first period was dominated by the blue-and-yellow team. Oleh Zborovskyy headed the ball into the opponent's goal on the third minute. However, at the beginning of the second 12-minute half, the Germans equalized thanks to Svenson’s shot — 1:1.

In the final period, on the 34th minute, Svenson scored his second goal, but just 30 seconds later Andriy Pashko restored parity — 2:2. The decisive moment came in the three-minute overtime. With 25 seconds remaining, Pashko scored his second goal and secured victory for our team with two qualifying points.

The match summary was provided by head coach of Ukraine Mykola Kostenko: "Weather again interfered with our game. It rained in the morning, making the sand very sticky. One could say that beach soccer took a back seat to physical preparation for the players. The Germans are always known for their 'physicality,' so this match was quite challenging.

We went ahead and had several opportunities but unfortunately did not capitalize on them. In the second period, we conceded, and the game turned into a battle of counterattacks. Also unusual was the refereeing: any fall by Germans resulted in a whistle against us.

In this match, Andriy Pashko scored two goals but I don't want to single anyone out. All boys did well. No one fell short, everyone fought until the end and fulfilled their tasks. The goalkeepers played well, as did the defense. As for attitude and commitment, there are no complaints about any of the boys."

EuroLeague-2021 Qualifying Tournament. Division A. Group A. Round 1

Ukraine — Germany — 3:2 (OT)

Goals: Zborovskyy (3), Pashko (34, 39) — Svenson (16, 34).

Ukraine: Nerush, Gladchenko, I. Borsuk, Zborovskyy, Patchev, Voytok, Korniychuk, Shcheritsya, Pashko, Makeyev, Medvid’, Voytenko.

In today's second match in our Group A, Portugal and Azerbaijan will face each other.