Puerto Vallarta hosted the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2008 Qualifier CANCACAF, from April 17 - 20, 2008. Congratulations to Mexico’s Azteca beach soccer team, who defeated the USA team on the third day of the tournament, to earn a birth in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2008. This prestigious event will be held in Marseille in July. The other qualifying team going to Marseille is from El Salvador. This team made history by qualifying for this global event for the first time.

Mexico’s Ricardo Villalobos got crowned MVP of the tournament and had some kind words for the thousands of fans that came out and supported “El Tri” every single day throughout the event. “Our team deserved this win more then anything. These past few days have been amazing. We were stronger then we have ever been and we have to thank the people of Puerto Vallarta who supported us massively. I think there were 3000 people watching the game outside the stadium following the game on big screens. We just had to award them with a victory.”

The CONCACAF qualifying tournament closed with an exhibition match between the Continental Conquerors and an All Star team gathered by US Coach Roberto Ceciliano, who selected the best players of the tournament. International beach soccer stars Giovani Garcia, Dejan Stankovic and Stephane François completed this team.