Estonia's group includes the Czech Republic, in addition to Italy – who are the beach soccer reigning European champions as well as tournament hosts – and Denmark.

Manager Andreas Aniko said after the Italy game that: "It feels amazing. Beating Italy at any sport is a major deal for Estonia – especially when one considers they are the current European beach soccer champions. This is a novel but fantastic feeling," putting the success down to strong tactics.

Beach soccer matches are five-a-side, played across three, 12-minute periods.

Against Italy, the score was 3:2 in favor of Estonia at the end of the second period, and 4:4 at the end of regular time, sending things into extra time. When that finished 5:5, a penalty shootout followed, which Estonia won 5:3.

Against Denmark things went less well, jalgpall.ee reports, finishing 6:2 – manager Aniko praised the quality of the opponents.

Today, Friday, the team faces a deciding match against the Czechs. Estonia would continue to play even if they lose today, but only for places five to eight overall. A win would put them in the semi-finals playoffs.

The Czechs lost 4:1 to Denmark and 10:0 against Italy.

Kickoff is at 5 p.m. Estonian time Friday.

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