SUN, SAND AND BEERS AT WORLDWIDE BEACH SOCCER CUP IN PLAYA
Playa del Carmen had a huge beach weekend as thousands of spectators hit the stands for the Beach Soccer Worldwide Riviera Maya Cup 2013. The stadium was set up right by the ocean at Mamitas Beach Club, with sponsors like Sandos Resorts, the Riviera Maya, Corona, Gillette and Powerade.
Qualifying men's beach soccer teams from Mexico, Brazil, Bahamas and Spain competed for the coveted cup from May 3 - 5 over six matches, many with come-from-behind last minute victories. Ferocious players dove across the beach with impressive bicycle kicks and penalty shots to score multiple goals for their team, with the sand flying for a hard-fought win.
After three afternoons of intense beach soccer, Brazil came out the champion and took home the cup, along with all the glory.
Spain was the runner-up in the tournament, with Mexico and the Bahamas coming in at 3rd and 4th place, respectively. (The Spain fans cheered the loudest!)
Admission was free for the Beach Soccer Worldwide Riviera Maya Cup 2013, drawing in a total crowd of over 2,000 people wearing their swimsuits and flip flops as they stepped in from off the beach for a riveting game and a cold Corona. It's great to see so many free Riviera Maya events this year! A weekend doesn't go by without some opportunity for a memorable and cheap Saturday with the family.
Even the halftime shows were a fun time thanks to the Corona cheerleaders and the Coco Bongo dancers!
But don't worry, girls... it wasn't just the men who got all the eye candy! Early Sunday afternoon, dozens of TV hosts, telenovela stars and musicians joined in with a celebrity beach soccer match, where they got to hone their skills in a friendly but fierce game. They divided up into two teams, sponsored by Sandos resorts and the Riviera Maya.
No matter which day you showed up, you were sure to see a great game! These beach soccer players really know how to put on a show.