France eliminates Argentina 2-1 on penalties in Beach Soccer World Cup

France defeated Argentina 2-1 on penalties to advance to the quarterfinals of the Beach World Cup on Wednesday.

The teams drew 2-2 in regulation before Stephane Francois scored the deciding penalty for France and Gustavo Casado missed the potential equalizer for Argentina in the shootout on Copacabana Beach.

France led 2-0 with goals by Francois and Jeremy Basquaise, but Argentina rallied to equalize late in the match with scores by Ezequiel Hilaire and Facundo Minici.

Only the winner had any chance of advancing in Group D, which was won by Nigeria. The Africans beat the United Arab Emirates 1-0 on penalties after a 6-6 draw in regulation to finish group play with one of the competition's best campaigns along with Senegal and defending champion Brazil _ all with three victories.

Senegal won Group C after a 6-5 win over Italy, which was eliminated after Uruguay defeated Japan 3-2 to earn the group's second berth to the quarterfinals.

Brazil, winner of 10 world titles, had secured first place in Group A on Tuesday. Spain won Group B.

The quarterfinals, which begin Thursday, will pit Brazil vs. Portugal, Spain vs. Mexico, Senegal vs. France and Nigeria vs. Uruguay.