Russia edged past Spain to win the ANOC World Beach Games European beach soccer qualifier ©Beach Soccer Worldwide

Russia narrowly defeated Spain 5-4 to triumph at the European qualification event for the beach soccer tournaments at the 2019 Association of National Olympic Committees World Beach Games.

The hosts were beaten at Salou's Complex Esportiu Futbol Salou, with Russia scoring their winner four minutes from time. 

Both teams had already qualified for the 2019 ANOC World Beach Games in San Diego as semi-finalists, alongside Switzerland and Italy. 

Ukraine won against Belarus 5-2 in the fifth-place play-off to keep their hopes of securing a spot at the Games alive.

They will now play against the nation that finishes third in the South American Football Confederation qualifiers, with the victor progressing. 

Panama will return to the CONCACAF Football Beach Soccer Championships to defend their title ©Beach Soccer Worldwide
Panama will return to the CONCACAF Football Beach Soccer Championships to defend their title ©Beach Soccer Worldwide

England won the women's competition after they triumphed 4-3 against Russia and rivals Switzerland lost 3-2 to Spain. 

Other beach soccer teams will begin the qualification process for the 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup tomorrow as the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association (CONCACAF) Football Beach Soccer Championships get under way in Puerto Vallarta.

Sixteen teams are competing, including hosts Mexico and defending champions Panama.

They will be split into four groups of four, before the winners progress to the knockout round.

The semi-finalists will gain a place at the World Cup, taking place in Paraguay from November 21 to December 1.