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Armand Duplantis Makes History Once Again: 6.28m World Pole Vault Record in Stockholm

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Olympic Movement, Sports. No Comments on Armand Duplantis Makes History Once Again: 6.28m World Pole Vault Record in Stockholm

Stockholm, 15 June 2025 – Sweden’s Armand “Mondo” Duplantis has once again etched his name into the history books of athletics. On a dramatic Sunday evening at the Stockholm Olympic Stadium, the 25-year-old pole vaulting sensation soared to a world record height of 6.28 metres, surpassing his previous best (6.27m) by one centimetre.

The jump marks the twelfth world record of Duplantis’ already legendary career – and notably, the first one achieved on home soil in Sweden.

“I had never broken the record here in Sweden before. This is incredibly special. I’m grateful to be able to share it with my family, friends, and this amazing crowd,” Duplantis said, visibly emotional after his vault.

📈 A Perfect Performance, A Historic Jump

Duplantis executed a flawless series of jumps: clearing 5.60m, 5.80m, 5.90m, and 6.00m without a single failure. With the victory secured, he requested the bar be set at 6.28m — a height never before cleared by any athlete.

“When the bar went up to 6.28, honestly, it looked pretty high from down there. But something inside me knew this was the moment. Everything just clicked,” Duplantis explained in an interview with Reuters(Reuters, 15 June 2025).

He cleared the height on his very first attempt, sending the crowd of over 25,000 spectators into a rapturous celebration.

(European athletics)

👏 A Record Set at Home – with Legendary Guests in the Stands

Adding to the emotional weight of the occasion, Duplantis was surrounded by his family – including his mother, grandparents, siblings, and partner – as well as athletics royalty. Sprinting icon Usain Bolt watched from the stands and celebrated with Duplantis following his record-breaking jump.

“Having Usain here was amazing. He told me he wanted to see a record tonight – and I delivered. He’s one of my heroes, so sharing this moment with him made it even better” (SER, 15 June 2025).

🔍 Why This Record Matters

This latest world record does more than reinforce Duplantis’ dominance in pole vaulting – it also brings him significantly closer to the mythical 6.30-metre mark, a barrier that many experts once believed was out of reach.

It also raises the standard for younger athletes across Europe and the world:

“What Mondo is doing is unprecedented. He doesn’t just break records – he makes them look effortless,” commented British athletics legend Steve Cram during the BBC broadcast.

🔜 Road to Tokyo 2025

With this victory, Duplantis solidified his lead in the 2025 Diamond League and headed into the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later this summer in peak form.

According to World Athletics, he currently holds the best performance of the season by a wide margin. His camp has not confirmed whether he will attempt to break the record again soon, but Tokyo seems like a likely stage.

“Some days, everything just flows. Today was one of those days. But I know I’ve still got more in me,” Duplantis said post-event, hinting that 6.30m may be within reach before the season ends.

📝 Final Thoughts: The King of Pole Vault Has No Ceiling

Armand Duplantis continues to defy the limits of what the human body can achieve. His record-breaking performance in Stockholm is not only a personal triumph but a milestone moment for European sport.

At SportEurope, we see this achievement as a celebration of excellence and resilience – and an inspiration to the new generation of athletes across the continent

(European athletics)

2068 The Year When Records Will Stop Being Broken

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Article, EG. No Comments on 2068 The Year When Records Will Stop Being Broken

When the Olympic Games or a major competition approaches, besides following your country’s performance or watching the greatest sports stars together, one of the most important moments is when an European, Olympic or world record is broken.

To begin with, let’s define what a record is and the differences between them.

“A record is the best mark registered in performing an activity, generally competitive in nature. It can refer to an individual or collective achievement that surpasses all previous marks in a given category or discipline.”

So, as the name suggests, a European record is the best mark achieved by a European athlete in a particular discipline; an Olympic record is the best mark achieved by an athlete of any nationality during the Olympic Games; and a world record is the best mark achieved by an athlete of any nationality in any event. Therefore, as we see in the example, an athlete can hold a world record but not an Olympic record, and vice versa.

Pole Vault Record

  • European Record: Armand Duplantis, 6.27 m (February 2025)
  • Olympic Record: Armand Duplantis, 6.25 m (August 2024)
  • World Record: Armand Duplantis, 6.27 m (February 2025)

Once we have defined what a record is and set the context of the types of records, let’s get to the really interesting question: when will records stop being broken?

Some experts, with the help of artificial intelligence, have predicted that by 2068, humans will have reached their limit and most records will no longer be broken. This study bases its theory on the percentage of human capacity developed. It estimates that in the first modern Olympic Games (1896), humans had reached 66% of their potential, while by the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games it was around 99%.

But why so long if humans are supposedly at 99% of their capacity? In 2008, when experts at IRMES estimated that records would cease being broken by 2068, they did not take into account all the recent advances. Artificial intelligence, ever more advanced knowledge on training, preparation and physical condition, and technological advances in the materials surrounding events (sports equipment, tracks, clothing, footwear, swimsuits) are key for humans to keep pushing their own limits.

Are these factors key to continuing breaking records?

Artificial Intelligence:
AI helps optimize training, can analyse biomechanical factors in real time that humans cannot, establish ideal competition strategies, offer advanced simulations, and even assist in developing sports technology. A recent example is Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge in the INEOS 1:59 challenge, where algorithms were used to determine the perfect pace, the formation of pacemakers, and the route to break the marathon record. The only possible downside is the ethical aspect, since it partly detracts from human merit.

New trends in training:
Innovations in nutrition, training and recovery not only help prevent injuries and prolong athletes’ careers but also directly influence record-breaking performances. The more we study the human body, the more we understand its limits and how to reach them.

New technologies in materials:
This is one of the most controversial points. Since 1968, when many world records were broken, the trend has been downward except for one exception in swimming: Beijing 2008. There, polyurethane swimsuits appeared, made from a material that reduced water resistance, improved buoyancy, and offered muscular compression to reduce fatigue. Twenty-five world records were broken, something never seen before in a single edition. In 2010, FINA banned these swimsuits, and since then most of those records have become difficult benchmarks to beat; about ten of them remain current today.

A fact to reflect on

Although we see that the numbers of world and Olympic records continue year after year or competition after competition, this is partly due to the emergence of new disciplines and competitions. There are already marks that have stood for more than 40 years, such as men’s hammer throw (Moscow 1980), men’s discus throw (Munich 1972), men’s long jump (1991), women’s 400 m (1985) or women’s 4×400 m relay (1988).

Conclusion

From what we have seen and what most studies say, we cannot set an exact date for when world records will stop being broken. What we do know is that humans are very close to their maximum potential and, in the not-too-distant future, without the help of technology, AI and new knowledge, it will be very difficult to keep breaking world records. The emergence of new disciplines, sports and modalities could allow records to continue, but what today we consider traditional records are about to reach their threshold values.

Europe on Top: Alcaraz Stuns Sinner in a Final for the Ages

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Olympic Movement. No Comments on Europe on Top: Alcaraz Stuns Sinner in a Final for the Ages

Monday 9 June 2025, Paris – European tennis witnessed one of its most glorious chapters on Sunday at Court Philippe-Chatrier. Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz was crowned Roland Garros champion after an epic comeback against Italy’s Jannik Sinner, in a final that lasted five hours and 29 minutes and is already being hailed as one of the greatest ever played.

In a clash between two young talents born in the 21st century, Europe once again demonstrated why it is the cradle of world-class tennis. Alcaraz, 22, defeated the world No. 1 by 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2).

👉 In fact, 83 of the last 84 Grand Slam titles have been won by European players – a level of dominance never before seen in the modern game.

(Olympics)

🔥 A Generational and Continental Duel

This was not only a showcase of physical and mental resilience, but also a reflection of Europe’s continued supremacy in the men’s game. Italy and Spain, two of the continent’s powerhouses, produced a match that will remain etched in fans’ memories.

Sinner, ice-cold and razor-sharp through the first two sets, looked to have the title within reach. But Alcaraz, a product of Spanish grit and heart, held firm, saved three championship points in the fourth set, and forced a fifth where he shone brightest.

👑 Alcaraz, Prince of Europe and of Clay

With this triumph, the Murcia native lifts his second Roland Garros trophy and his fifth Grand Slam title overall. Even more impressively, he has now won all five major finals he has contested – an unprecedented feat in the modern era.

“I thought of Rafa [Nadal], of what this court means… I couldn’t give up,” Alcaraz said through tears after the match.

There is also a symbolic layer to this victory: Alcaraz was a medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and now reigns on the very same clay where he once stood on the podium.

🤝 Sinner, a Worthy Opponent

Despite the defeat, Jannik Sinner showed exactly why he sits atop the ATP rankings. With precision, poise and remarkable maturity, the South Tyrolean pushed Alcaraz to the brink. His sportsmanship matched his level of play: “Carlos was better in the key moments. This is only the beginning,” he said after the match.

📈 A New European Rivalry Is Born

What we witnessed on Sunday was not merely a final, but the dawn of a legendary rivalry between two young Europeans poised to define a new tennis era. If Nadal and Federer shaped a golden generation, Sinner and Alcaraz represent the continental renaissance of the sport.

(Peter Staples / ATP Tour)

Sara Errani gets a wild card for the P1 Rome and shakes up the game between tennis and padel

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Rome, June 2025 — Total surprise! Sara Errani, the Italian tennis legend and recent Olympic doubles champion, has just received a wild card to play in the P1 Premier Padel tournament in Rome. Yes, you read that right: the very same Sara you know from the tennis courts is now stepping into professional padel at the iconic Foro Italico.

This move isn’t just a novelty — it’s a clear sign that tennis and padel are getting closer than ever, and switching rackets might be the next big thing for racket sport fans.

With an impressive record — five Grand Slam doubles titles and that fresh Olympic gold medal — Sara proves it’s never too late to try something new and that the passion for competing knows no bounds.

The P1 Rome promises to be an event where both sports can coexist and complement each other, offering fans a doubly exciting experience.

Sara arrives full of good vibes, aiming not just to score points but to inspire other players to break the mold and try new things. Because, at the end of the day, what matters is enjoying the game and keeping active.

Will we ever see a combined tennis and padel tournament? The idea sounds pretty exciting, and many fans are already calling for it on social media, where the community debates how these two worlds would blend in one event. Some say it would be amazing for attracting younger audiences and mixing the best of both sports, while others believe it’s important to respect each discipline’s uniqueness and give them space. What’s clear is that the connection between tennis and padel keeps growing, and with stars like Sara Errani breaking boundaries, a joint event where rackets are the true stars doesn’t seem that far off.

A Spectacular Success: The 2025 GSSE in Andorra Deliver Six Days of Sporting Magic

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Andorra la Vella, 2 June 2025 – The curtain has closed on the 20th edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE), and what a week it was! From 26 May to 1 June, more than 1,500 athletes from nine European microstates lit up Andorra in a celebration of sport, friendship and competition.

Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino all sent their best athletes to compete across 14 disciplines, including athletics, swimming, cycling, judo, basketball, karate and more.

🏅 Final Medal Table

After six days of fierce yet friendly competition, the final standings were as follows:

🌍 Highlights by Nation

🇨🇾 Cyprus emerged as the dominant force, excelling in athletics and cycling. Their men’s 400m hurdles champion clocked an impressive 51.74 seconds, while their time trial squad claimed top honours on two wheels.

🇮🇸 Iceland shone in the pool and on the track. Sprinter Guðbjörg Jóna Bjarnadóttir grabbed bronze in the women’s 400m with a time of 54.99 seconds.

🇱🇺 Luxembourg delivered a consistent performance. The men’s 4x400m relay team stormed to gold with a strong 3:13.70 finish.

🇲🇹 Malta made waves in team sports, especially basketball and volleyball, and picked up valuable medals on the track as well.

🇦🇩 Andorra, the proud host nation, achieved its best-ever GSSE performance with 55 medals. Local heroes like Pol Moya, Nahuel Carabaña, and tennis star Vicky Jiménez ignited the home crowd with podium finishes.

🇸🇲 San Marino impressed in judo and athletics, continuing its steady medal-winning tradition.

🇱🇮 Liechtenstein made their mark in mountain biking and swimming, showing they’re a force to be reckoned with in endurance sports.

🇲🇨 Monaco picked up medals in artistic swimming and athletics, maintaining a balanced and competitive presence.

🇲🇪 Montenegro, despite a smaller squad, made notable gains in judo and middle-distance running, reflecting their ongoing sporting development.

🎉 More Than Medals

The 2025 GSSE wasn’t just about standings and results. It was a festival of unity, youth, and top-tier talent. The organisation was smooth, the venues world-class, and the energy unmatched. Fans filled the stands, volunteers worked tirelessly, and athletes delivered performances to remember.

These Games proved once again that being small doesn’t mean thinking small. The GSSE continues to showcase what sport is really about – excellence, respect and connection.

Next stop: the 2027 Games

Sandro Bazadze and Enver Yildirim Shines in Madrid at the “Villa de Madrid” Men’s Sabre World Cup

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in FEN, Sports. No Comments on Sandro Bazadze and Enver Yildirim Shines in Madrid at the “Villa de Madrid” Men’s Sabre World Cup

Madrid, Spain — The Polideportivo Municipal Gallur in Madrid became the heart of the fencing world this weekend as it hosted the prestigious “Villa de Madrid” Men’s Sabre World Cup, bringing together 257 elite individual fencersand 28 national teams. Yet, by the end of the competition, all eyes were firmly on two standout names: Sandro Bazadze of Georgia and Enver Yildirim of Türkiye.

Bazadze Claims Gold with Authority

Georgia’s Sandro Bazadze proved once again why he is one of the premier sabreurs on the international stage, capturing the individual gold medal with a commanding performance throughout the event. In the final bout, he showcased composure and clinical execution to defeat Türkiye’s rising star Enver Yildirim by a decisive 15-8.

Bazadze was dominant from the early rounds, but truly impressed in the semi-final, where he faced Korea’s Gyeongdong Do. The Georgian held his nerve in a closely contested match, eventually winning 15-13. With a blend of tactical intelligence and athletic sharpness, Bazadze reaffirmed his reputation as one of the sport’s finest competitors.

Yildirim’s Breakthrough Performance

Despite finishing with silver, Enver Yildirim was undoubtedly the breakout star of the tournament. The Turkish fencer stunned the field with a series of sensational upsets, most notably in the round of 16, where he edged past reigning Olympic and World Champion Sanguk Oh of Korea, 15-14. That victory sent shockwaves through the fencing community and marked Yildirim as a serious contender.

Yildirim continued his impressive run by defeating the Italian fencer Michele Gallo  in the quarter-finals and then overcame Korea’s Sangwon Park in the semi-finals, again by 15-13. With fast-paced attacks, emotional intensity and fearless decision-making, Yildirim reached his first-ever World Cup final, establishing himself as a formidable presence on the world stage.

High Drama in a World-Class Field

The tournament featured numerous surprises. Among the most notable was the early elimination of Hungary’s Aron Szilagyi, the three-time Olympic champion, who was beaten 15-13 in the round of 32 by Germany’s Matyas Szabo. Fellow Hungarian and World Champion Andras Szatmari also exited early, falling 15-9 to Sebastien Patrice in the last 16.

The final eight fencers in the individual event were Bazadze (GEO), Yildirim (TUR), Gyeongdong Do (KOR), Sangwon Park (KOR), Sebastien Patrice (FRA), Fares Ferjani (TUN), Jean-Philippe Patrice (FRA), and Michele Gallo (ITA).

France Dominates the Team Competition

In the team sabre event, France clinched gold with a convincing 45-34 victory over Hungary in the final. The French squad displayed tactical cohesion and technical superiority, having previously overcome Romania in the semi-finals, 45-41. Hungary had reached the final after narrowly defeating the United States in a thrilling 45-44 encounter. The bronze medal went to Romania, who beat the USA 45-40 in the third-place match.

A Tournament to Remember

The “Villa de Madrid” World Cup proved to be a thrilling chapter in the 2024–25 fencing season, not just for its competitive excellence, but for the compelling stories it brought to light. Sandro Bazadze delivered a masterclass in consistency and control, while Enver Yildirim captured the imagination of fans with his fearless rise to the final. Madrid played host to world-class fencing – and two unforgettable performances that will be talked about for months to come.

European Canoe Slalom Elite Meet in Vaires-sur-Marne

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The 2025 Canoe Slalom European Championships, held from 14 to 18 May in Vaires-sur-Marne (France), concluded with a strong showing from the host nation, particularly in the kayak cross discipline. The event brought together many of Europe’s top paddlers in one of the key competitions of the whitewater calendar.

Kayak Cross: Home Advantage Counts

French athletes delivered notable performances in kayak cross — a fast-paced and tactical discipline involving head-to-head racing through a slalom course.

  • Camille Prigent was crowned European champion in the women’s event, displaying consistency and control throughout the elimination rounds and final.
  • In the men’s event, Boris Neveu reached the final and stood out as one of the key performers, underlining France’s strength in the discipline.

Balanced Podiums and High-Level Competition

The championships featured strong competition across all categories, with medals shared among traditional slalom nations including Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Great Britain.

Events were held in both individual and team formats across C1 (single canoe), K1 (single kayak) and kayak cross, for both men and women. The field featured a mix of experienced paddlers and emerging talents, contributing to a technically demanding and engaging championship.

For full results and further details, visit the official website of the European Canoe Association: www.canoe-europe.org

Would you know what to do if you got injured?

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Article, EYOF. 1 Comment on Would you know what to do if you got injured?

Many people who have recently taken up sport are still unsure whether it’s better to apply cold or heat to an injury. To help clear up any doubts, the Professional College of Physiotherapists of the Community of Madrid (CPFCM) has prepared the following information, which could be helpful. However, the first thing you should do in the event of an injury is to consult your physiotherapist or a doctor.

Differences

Cold and heat have opposite effects: cold is a vasoconstrictor, while heat is a vasodilator. For this reason, cryotherapy(cold treatment) and thermotherapy (heat treatment) are usually applied separately, although they can sometimes be combined, as in contrast baths.

Cold

When to apply it. Cold is recommended during the first two or three days following an acute injury, especially if there is significant inflammation. This includes muscle tears, impacts, contusions, sprains, strains, dislocations, fractures or tendinitis. In these cases, the aim is to reduce acute pain and inflammation, which can cause excessive pressure on tissues, restrict movement, increase pain and impair muscle function.

Effects. Cold reduces the diameter of the capillaries in the affected area, decreasing blood flow, heart rate and metabolism. This reduced blood flow creates an analgesicand anti-inflammatory effect.

It also decreases muscle contractility, which means fewer spasms and cramps — another source of pain.

Don’t overdo it. Cold acts as a local anaesthetic by altering skin sensitivity, but it can cause burns if overused. As a general rule, apply cold for no more than 8 to 10minutes, two to four times per day.

How to apply it. Cold gel packs, creams and gels are all useful because they can adapt to the injured area. An ice bath or a bag of crushed ice wrapped in a cloth to protect the skin can also be used.

That said, recent research suggests that inflammation — like fever — is a natural response of the body to trauma.

In some cases, such as mild muscle injuries or contusions, and always under the supervision of a healthcare professional like a physiotherapist, it may be advisable to avoid cold and anti-inflammatories and allow the body’s natural healing process to take place.

Heat

When to apply it. Heat is used when an increase in body temperature and blood circulation is needed. This is typical in long-standing muscle problems such as soreness, fatigue or chronic conditions. It’s especially useful for treating overuse injuries, poor posture, stiffness, or for warming up tissues before physical activity to help prevent injuries.

Effects. Heat increases blood flow through vasodilation — the widening of capillaries in the area. As a result, it reduces muscle stiffness and pain by providing a soothingeffect that relaxes and relieves muscle fatigue. It also improves tissue elasticity.

Therefore, heat should only be used when the injury is no longer acute, there is noinflammation, and at least 72 hourshave passed since the injury occurred.

How to apply it. The method chosen should suit the affected area. For surface-level application, you can use an electric heating pad, wheat bag, mudpacks, hot compresses, or heat creams and gels.

For more serious or long-term injuries, physiotherapists may use deep thermotherapy devices, such as shortwave therapy, microwaves, or hyperthermia. Don’t overdo it. Depending on the type of injury or condition, heat should be applied for around 15 to 20 minutes, one to three times a day. Always monitor the skin to avoidburns. The sensation should be intensely warm but comfortable.

Combining Heat and Cold

It can often be beneficial to combine hot and cold treatments — such as in contrast baths — because the temperature changes create a vascular micromassage, alternately dilating and contracting the blood vessels.

When to apply it. When there is a need to stimulate circulation, for instance, after immobilisation, surgery, circulatory problems, or strenuous physical activity — especially affecting the lower limbs.

Don’t overdo it. A contrast bath involves three to four minutes of hot (but not scalding) water, followed by one minute of cool (not icy) water. This cycle should berepeated four to five times, ending with cold.

In summary:

Although you should always consult a physiotherapist or doctor when faced with an injury, this information can serve as a basic guide to help you manage minor issues that may arise during everyday physical activity.

Countdown to the Start of the Games

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Andorra 2025, EOC, GSSE, Summer Sports. No Comments on Countdown to the Start of the Games

Just two weeks to go until the Games of the Small States of Europe Andorra 2025 kick off, and you can already feel the buzz in the air. Banners are going up on lampposts and balconies, and sports venues are being fine-tuned in every detail. With the clock ticking down, we already know the key elements that will give this edition its personality: the mascot, the torch, and the cauldron have all been unveiled.

Now, all eyes are on the final team lists. National squads are putting the finishing touches on preparations, some have already announced preliminary line-ups, and the confirmed athletes for events like athletics, swimming, judo or cycling should be announced any day now. For many of these competitors, the Games are a major milestone—a chance to represent their country in an event that blends sport, culture and connection.

Valiret, the official mascot

Valiret will be the friendly face of the Games. He’s a tamarro—a mythical forest creature from the Pyrenees—given a modern and approachable look. The name was chosen through a public vote and reflects Andorra’s close link to nature, especially its rivers, which bring life and energy to the country. Valiret also nods to the past, reviving the spirit of the 1991 Games—the last time Andorra hosted the event.

A torch inspired by mountains, unity and tradition

The official torch is packed with symbolism. Designed by creative studio Aymara, its shape mimics the silhouette of Comapedrosa, Andorra’s highest peak. Engraved at the base are the names of the country’s seven parishes, a reminder of unity and shared effort. The torch is surrounded by seven metallic rings, representing each parish. Built from stainless steel, the design is clean and sturdy, and the flame inside stands for the Olympic spirit—but also the light that guides those hiking through the mountains. The torch is set to tour all seven parishes before arriving at the National Stadium for the opening ceremony.

The cauldron – still under wraps

The cauldron design is still a secret, but we know it’s the work of Andorran sculptor Toni Cruz. Built from iron, it ties into the country’s mining heritage and aims to represent collective effort, resilience and support. Cruz wants this piece to honour not just athletes, but also the coaches, families, medical staff and volunteers who’ve helped make the journey possible. The big reveal will come on the opening night—when the torch flame arrives and the cauldron is lit to officially launch the Games.

Final touches and growing excitement

As the start date gets closer, preparations are shifting into high gear. Volunteers are in training, delegations are beginning to arrive, and training sessions are picking up pace. Everything needs to be ready—from venue signage to transport schedules between the different sites. For many in Andorra, this is a chance to show the world their warm welcome, organisational skill and love of sport.

Andorra 2025 is shaping up to be a close-knit edition where it’s not just about winning, but also about sharing. With almost everything in place, all that’s left is to welcome the teams, confirm the final names, and get things underway.

European Hopes Narrow as Portugal Advance to Semi-Finals in Seychelles

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The quarter-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025™ offered a mixed picture for European nations. While Portugal progressed to the semi-finals after a tense and high-scoring match against Japan, both Spain and Italy were eliminated, ending their campaigns earlier than hoped.


Portugal remain the sole European representative in the semi-finals, following a closely fought 7-6 win over Japan. The match featured moments of high intensity and tactical depth, with Portugal relying on its core of experienced players to manage the flow of play. Jordan and Bê Martins were instrumental once again, combining effectively in attack and offering leadership during critical stages. While Japan pushed them to the limit, Portugal’s ability to maintain composure in the final period proved decisive.


Having won the world title twice before, Portugal’s presence in the final four underscores their continued prominence on the global stage. Their balance of technical skill, discipline, and familiarity with high-pressure fixtures remains a key asset as they prepare for the next round.


Spain, who had shown flashes of promise in the group stage, were unable to match Brazil’s pace and power in their quarter-final encounter. The 6-0 defeat was the most decisive result of the round and marked a disappointing end to a campaign that had raised expectations. Spain struggled to create clear chances and were quickly forced onto the back foot by a Brazilian side that pressed high and moved the ball with speed and confidence.


The Spanish defence found itself overwhelmed, and with limited time in possession, La Roja were unable to impose their game plan. Despite the scoreline, the experience gained in this edition will serve the Spanish squad as they continue building towards future competitions.
Italy’s quarter-final clash against Senegal was a more balanced affair, with the European side narrowly losing 4-3 in a contest that remained open until the closing stages. Italy showed tactical discipline, maintaining a compact defensive shape and looking to exploit space on the counter-attack. Their game plan yielded periods of control, but Senegal’s efficiency on set pieces and clinical finishing tipped the scales.


The Italian side depart Seychelles with credit, having shown maturity and a clearer tactical identity. While the result was disappointing, there were positive signs for the future, particularly in terms of squad cohesion and adaptability.


Portugal now turn their attention to a semi-final showdown against Brazil, scheduled for Saturday, 10 May. The fixture promises a compelling clash of styles, with Europe’s last standing nation facing the defending champions. Portugal’s ability to maintain structure and absorb pressure will be tested against a Brazilian side known for its creative play and scoring power.


While only one European team remains, the continent’s overall performance in Seychelles demonstrates the growing depth and competitiveness of beach soccer programmes. Spain and Italy, though ultimately eliminated, displayed improvements in team organisation, player development, and strategic planning.


Portugal’s presence in the semi-finals offers a continued European challenge at the highest level. As the Games reach their conclusion, SportEurope will continue to follow the continent’s remaining contender in the hope that Europe might once again contest a world title.