Bahamas warms up to 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup Finals

Inside World Football – NASSAU, With 22 days to go to the start of the Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 the trophy is touring the islands, if not whipping up a soccer fervour and frenzy for the April 27 kick-off, certainly getting a warm Caribbean-style welcome for the 16-team competition that will be the first FIFA World Cup finals competition hosted by a Caribbean nation.

The National Beach Soccer Arena at Malcolm Park in Nassau will be the venue for the tournament that runs through to May 7.

A relaxed setting and a ticketing policy that is free to anyone who wants to go (VIP hospitality packages can be bought) are creating an easy-going feel to the coolest of FIFA’s competition.

But the laid-back feel belies a competitive edge to the competition that kicks off with the hosts facing the geographically least likely of beach soccer opponents, alpine nation Switzerland.

The Bahamas actually spent two weeks preparing in Switzerland as they are part of a three-team CONCACAF contingent spearheaded by very competitive teams from Mexico and Panama.

Tournament favourites are Brazil although current world champions Portugal will likely have a say in the outcome, despite losing the top place at the European qualifying round to surprise winners Poland.

Brazil won four straight World Cup titles between 2006 and 2009 (Beach soccer world cups are played every two years), but as this format of the game has become more competitive, so Brazil’s dominance has been eroded.

Tournament dark horse could turn out to be AFC champions Iran. The country had a standout performance in the Futsal World Cup and is in a lead position in qualifying for Russia 2018. A good Beach Soccer World Cup will further stamp their global football credentials.

Bahamas Local Organizing Committee Chairman Jeffrey Beckles said the country is ready and waiting to welcome the teams and fans. “Over the next few days there will be a transformation of the stadium and the city. All roads will lead to the National Beach Soccer Arena at Malcolm Park. Soon teams from all over the world will begin to arrive in Nassau to prepare for the biggest beach soccer event in the world. We want to start spreading the excitement locally and globally.”

Groups:

Group A Ecuador, Senegal, Bahamas, Switzerland

Group B Nigeria, Italy, Iran, Mexico

Group C: Portugal, Panama, UAE, Paraguay

Group D: Brazil, Japan, Poland, Tahiti