In an electrifying match, Russia defeated Senegal 8-7 in their debut in Group C of the Beach Soccer World Cup. The two-time world champion had a good start, but then came the African reaction that temporarily turned the score 6-7, adding drama to the third period.

However, after the scare, Russia managed to wake up and redirect things with the goals from Artur Paporotnyi and Boris Nikonorov.

The European goals came from Ibra Thioune (C/S/V), Boris Nikonorov x2, Fedor Zemskov x3, Artur Paporotnyi x2, while the African goals were scored by Lansana Diassy x2, Babacar Fall x2, Raoul Mendy, and Mamour Diagne x2.

Russia's next match will be on Tuesday when they face Belarus at 19:25. Senegal, on the other hand, will seek to recover against the United Arab Emirates, that same day, but at 16:15.