France, coached by former Manchester United forward Eric Cantona, won FIFA's inaugural beach soccer World Cup when they beat Portugal on penalties in the final on Sunday.

France won 1-0 in a sudden-death penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw after extra-time at the temporary arena built on Copacabana beach for the week-long event.

"I thought the best two teams were in the final and overall I thought we deserved to win the tournament," said Cantona, who was officially player-coach but made only one appearance on the sand in the first-round match against Argentina.

France led 3-1 with only five minutes to play but Portugal, semi-final conquerors of hosts and favourites Brazil, leveled with two late goals from Belchior, the second with only eight seconds on the clock in the third and final period of normal time.

There was no further scoring in the three-minute extra time period and France secured the trophy when Alan struck Portugal's first penalty against the bar.