Men’s quarter-finalists were determined today as competition begun at the European qualification event for the beach soccer tournaments at the 2019 Association of National Olympic Committees World Beach Games in San Diego.

The first country to progress through to the last eight at Complex Esportiu Futbol Salou were France, who were awarded a 3-0 win over England after their opponents were unable to compete due to administrative reasons.

Next up for them are Italy following their 7-3 victory at the expense of Greece.

Also through to the quarter-finals are Belarus, who beat Czech Republic 6-4 after extra-time.

Standing between them and a place in the last four are hosts Spain, 8-6 winners over Turkey.

The two other last-eight ties pit Switzerland against Portugal and Ukraine against Russia.

Switzerland defeated Germany 3-2 on penalties following a 7-7 draw after extra-time.

Portugal thrashed Kazakhstan 10-2, while Ukraine overcame Azerbaijan 6-4 and Russia beat Norway 7-0.

In the women’s round-robin event, there were mixed fortunes for Czech Republic, England and Russia.

The Czechs beat England 8-4 before losing 5-1 to Russia.

England bounced back from their defeat by overcoming Spain 1-0 on penalties following a 5-5 draw after extra-time.

Russia, meanwhile, preceded their win by losing 2-0 to Switzerland.

Action in Salou is due to continue tomorrow.

Four spots are available for the men's teams at San Diego 2019, due to take place between October 9 and 15, while the five women’s sides are vying for two places.