So How’s That Beach Soccer World Cup Coming Along?

“You sure Cantona said this would help us get chicks?”
“Yeah. ‘Check out those flamingos if you don’t believe me,’ he said.”

(Okay, sorry, not funny. It’s summer and my brain is feeling lazy. Feel free to leave a better caption in the comments.)

While the rest of the world is falling over themselves to spread rumors about the amount that Roman Abramovich is willing to pay to bring Kaka to Chelsea (I heard $2 billion, or maybe it was three), there is actual tournament soccer being played. Beach soccer. The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is currently going on in Marseille, France. (Photos from the stadium construction were posted last week.)

As of the time I’m posting this, seven of the eight quarterfinalists have been decided, and the final group stage game will be played in about fifteen minutes. (The video is available in most European countries via FIFA.com, and available to select US viewers on ESPN360.com — but only if your internet provider carries it.)

In group A, France (coached by Mr. Joga Bonito himself, Mr. Eric Cantona) went top and Uruguay came second, beating out Senegal (3rd) and Iran (4th.)

In Group B, Portugal finished on top, with Italy second. They knocked out the Solomon Islands and El Salvador. Yes, Solomon Islands. I mean, sure, they finished with a -9 goal differential, but that was better than El Salvador’s -12. You go, Solomon Islands.

You gotta love beach soccer.

Today in the Group C race, United Arab Emirates took on Russia. The word “crushed” comes to mind. Russia won 5-0. and Cameroon took on Argentina. Argentina had already guaranteed themselves a spot in the quarters with wins over Russia and Cameroon, and Cameroon was already out with 0 points and a -10 goal differential. And as expected, Argentina won, 3-0.

Group D also plays today, with Spain playing Japan and Brazil taking on Mexico. This group is wide open. Brazil’s on top, and Mexico and Spain are tied for second on both points and goal differential. And as I’m hitting “publish,” Spain has just beaten the hapless, last-place Japan, 6-1. Better luck next time, gents.

The final group game may be going on as you’re reading this. Brazil vs. Mexico at 19:15 local time in Marseille, which Daryl and I have decided is 1:15 Eastern or 10:15 Pacific. If you have access, check it out. It’s quite a change of pace from soccer on grass.

All of the quarterfinals will be played on Thursday, with the semifinals on the 26th and the final and the 3rd place game on the 27th.

Joga Bonito indeed, Mr. Cantona.

More info at the FIFA site.