Russia defeated Spain 5-4 in the European beach soccer qualification tournament in the Salou complex Esportiu Futbol on Sunday.

In what was a tight affair both teams were heading for extra time tied at 4-4 before Russia scored the winner four minutes from time to spark celebrations from the away end. Spain tried to mount a late search for the equaliser but Russia stood firm to earn a place in the final.

Both teams had already qualified for the Association of National Olympic Committees  (ANOC) World Beach Games by virtue of reaching the semi-finals alongside Switzerland and Italy.

Spain as tournament hosts would be disappointed with the result as they were the favourites heading into the clash. Meanwhile, Ukraine won the fifth-place play-off with a convincing 5-2 victory against Belarus to keep their hopes of qualifying for the ANOC world beach games.

They would face the third-placed team from the South American Football Confederation Qualifiers for a spot in the tournament.

England came out victorious in the Women’s competition by defeating Russia 4-3 in a closely fought game. They were confirmed as tournament winners when closest rivals Switzerland lost to Spain 3-2 in the other game.

The beach soccer world is expected to be busy in the next few weeks as CONCACAF begins qualification for the Beach Soccer World Cup in Puerto Vallarta and would feature 16 teams.

Defending champions Panama, the USA and Mexico would be considered favourites for this competition in what is expected to be a close call.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to hold their qualification process sometime in the coming months. While the Asian Football Confederations are also expected to announce the date for their qualification tournament.

The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is scheduled to hold in South American nation Paraguay from November 21 to December 1.

.