Dubai: Russia crushed any dreams of a Brazilian resurgence as they rode on a hat-trick from Dmitriy Shishin to hand out a 5-4 defeat to the former four-time world champions in a pulsating final of the 2011 Fifa Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup that concluded at The Walk JBR late on Saturday.

Playing second fiddle to the four-time world champions through a major part of the final Russia came to life through a dual strike from Yuri Krasheninnikov to sit comfortably on a 4-2 cushion midway through the third and final period. But the Brazilians were far from finished as Fernando Valenca and Jorge Gabriel found the net within a minute to force an extra-time of three minutes.

And it was during this period that Shishin put the finishing touches on his hat-trick that proved just enough for the Russians to help themselves to a second major crown in world beach soccer.

Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the winner’s trophy and medals at the end of the final in the presence of Dr. Ahmad Sa’ad Al Sharif, Secretary-General, Dubai Sports Council.

This was the second time on the trot that Russia has defeated Brazil in an international competition – their last triumph coming in the final of the 2011 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup held in Ravenna, Italy, in September.

But it was Anderson Lima who gave Brazil the lead with just five seconds remaining on the clock for the end of the first period. But Shishin drew level for Russia from the penalty spot in the second period only to see Brazil take the lead a second time through Fernando Valenca with just 22 seconds left.

The third period saw Egor Shaykov equalize early and then skipper Ilya Leonov pushed Russia clear 3-2. Within a minute Shishin found the nets a second time to make it 4-2. Brazil bounced back with goals from Fernando Valenca and Jorge Gabriel to send the match into a mandatory three-minute extra period.

That is when Shishin caught the Brazilian defence off-guard and scored a beauty with just 1.50 minutes remaining for full-time. Brazil tried, but could do nothing against the ticking clock or the sturdy Russian defence.

Meanwhile, Switzerland downed a gallant UAE in the penalty shootout to take third place. Down 2-4 till midway in the third and final period, the hosts did well to draw level 4-4 with Ali Karim Hassan Al Baloushi scoring a hat-trick. But unfortunately Al Baloushi had the UAE’s first kick saved by goalkeeper Valentin Jaggy, and Dejan Stankovic coolly slotted home to give Switzerland a well-earned third place.

Results:
(Final) Russia bt Brazil 5-4; (Third place) Switzerland bt UAE 5-4 (4-4 at FT; 1-0 in penalty shoot