Having finished first in Group C, Russia met the runners-up of Group D, Mexico in the quarter finals. Having won the North American qualifiers back in December 2010, as well as having finished in second place in the World Cup of 2007, Mexico went into the quarter finals against Russia, evenly matched. However this was not to be the case. Russia never found themselves behind in the match and went on to win 5-3 to progress to their first ever World Cup semi final. By far the biggest shock in the competition, it would be El Salvador who would play Russia in the semi finals. The Central American's, who up until now had never even won a game at a World Cup, had beaten Oman and Argentina in the Group Stage and had even beaten hosts and European giants Italy in the quarter finals to reach this stage, making Russia huge favourites to reach the final. In spite of El Salvador's efforts, Russia prevailed in a straightforward semi final, winning 7-3, moving on to play in their first ever FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup final.