Japan 6-3 Belarus - Group A |03 May 2025

Hat trick from Yauheni NOVIKAU helps Belarus take down Japan 6-3

Belarus maintained their perfect start at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™ with a thrilling 6-3 victory over Japan, powered by a hat-trick from Yauheni Novikau.

The match began with a balanced, fast-paced opening period, broken only by Novikau’s headed goal that gave Belarus the early lead. Japan responded through a well-worked corner, finished neatly by Masato Suzuki to level the score.

Novikau regained the lead for Belarus with a composed left-footed finish before Aleh Hapon extended the advantage with a spectacular bicycle kick that ignited the Paradise Arena crowd. Novikau, relentless on the left flank, then completed his hat-trick by pouncing on a loose ball to slot home his third of the day.

Japan showed signs of life in the final period, with Takaaki Oba rifling in a scissor kick to reduce the deficit. But Belarus quickly restored control, as Vadzim Bokach fired in from the penalty spot. Ozu Moreira added a late strike for Japan with a thunderous right-footed effort, but Belarus had the final say when Artsemi Drozd produced the team’s second bicycle kick of the match to seal the win.

With this result, Belarus move to six points from two matches, continuing their strong campaign in Seychelles.