Sampaio Corrêa and Vasco play second beach soccer friendly before Supercopa | OneFootball

Sampaio Corrêa and Vasco meet on Saturday at 18:00 in Carolina, in the south of Maranhão, for a beach soccer friendly ahead of next month’s Supercopa in Ceilândia, Distrito Federal, at a temporary arena at the Juca Paredão leisure area.

According to Globo.com, both sides are stepping up preparations. Sampaio are reshaping their squad, while Vasco already have a place secured at the Libertadores later this year.

Sampaio won the first meeting 6-5 after extra time, the game in Cedral finished 5-5 in regulation against the current Libertadores holders.

Coach Carlos Jacques said the tests against Vasco help resolve positional doubts and give younger players valuable experience, while promoting and strengthening the sport in Maranhão and across Brazil. He also intends to assess standouts from the Campeonato Maranhense de Seleções for the national competition.

Vasco coordinator Júnior Negão said he was pleased to return to Maranhão and described Vasco versus Sampaio as the biggest South American beach soccer clássico, recalling the last Libertadores final was settled late. He added they will look to close the gap on Saturday.

Vasco plan to use these friendlies and the Supercopa to evaluate options for the continental event expected at the end of the year. Sampaio, holders of the Supercopa, aim to defend the crown and secure another Libertadores berth in December.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”