The coach of the newly crowned Beach Soccer World Champions, Mikhail Likhachev, says his team dedicates its success to the memory of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey squad, who perished in a fatal air crash on September 7.

­“This week turned out very sad for our country,” Likhachev told the Russian Football Union’s official website.  “And on our part, we tried to somehow brighten it. I am grateful to the boys, the coaching staff and all those who believed in us. The Russian national team totally deserved this victory.”

Likhachev’s men have produced an amazing display against four-time World Champions Brazil, beating the South Americans 12-8 in the final at Ravenna, Italy.  

“I have the most amazing feelings,” he said. “We did a great thing – not only for our football, but for our whole country. Never before have the Russian national team in any kind of football known such a huge success. We are the pioneers.”

Russia were in front form the very start and the coach says he was already sure of the victory when there was nearly a whole period remaining to play in game.  

“In the beginning of the third 12 minutes, when the tenth goal was put into the Brazilian net by our captain Ilya Leonov. Perhaps, that’s when I realized that we wouldn’t let the World Cup slip through our fingers,” the coach stressed. 

Russian beach soccer squad are showing amazing form this season, as they not only claimed their maiden World Cup, but also won the Euroleague back in August.

“Now we are going to gather together with boys and celebrate our victory. I think they haven’t yet fully realized what they’ve done,” Likhachev said.

“I think I haven’t yet realized it myself too,” he added.