Argentina and USA could not find enough offense to take down the favorites in El Salvador
Portugal breaks the Argentinean resistance to fly for first points
The 6 – 0 win for Portugal over Argentina was extremely fun to watch but in the end Portugal was able to pull away and secure 3 points in the opening match of the tournament. The win sets the tone for the entire Copa for the victors. Argentina fought hard but they could not find a goal or solve the Portuguese defense. Portugal will look for their second win on friday against the USA. Argentina will have a chance to rebound against the hosts, El Salvador.
Argentina began the match attacking but Portugal quickly found their footing and the score remind level after the first few minutes of the opening period had passed. Portugal, being the world champs, knew that they would be in for a fight and they dug in to score first late in the opening frame. Neither side was able to hit the back of the net again and the period ended with Portugal up by score of 1 – 0. The Albiceleste had been playing the best teams in the world and they were not intimidated by the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup winners. The Argentine side continued with their stout defense and, heading into the middle of the match, the score remained 1 – 0 for the Portuguese. As if on cue, the European squad nailed home their second score to take a 2 – 0 lead into the final frame.
Portugal started the final period on a mission to separate themselves from their South American rivals, and they did just that with two quick goals from Jordan and Belchior, making the score 4 – 0 early in the final 12 minutes. Argentina maintained their energy and fight, nearly scoring on multiple occasions but they could not find the back of the net. In fact, it was the Portuguese who tacked on more goals, including the hat-trick goal from Belchior on a penalty leaving the score 5 – 0. The portage added another goal, with Jose Maria adding his name to the scorers list with the final 6 – 0 for Portugal.
Goals: 1 – 0: Belchior, minute 4 (1); 2 – 0: B. Novo, minute 6 (2); 3 – 0: Jordan, minute 11 (3), 4 – 0: Belchior, minute 10 (3); 5 – 0: Belchior, minute 4 (3); 6 – 0: Jose Maria, minute 0 (3).
El Salvador please home crowd and bend USA in Copa Pilsener debut
The 4 – 2 victory for El Salvador against the USA, was hard fought and low scoring but was played at a very fast tempo. El Salvador came out hot scoring the first three goals before the United States stormed back but ultimately fell short. The final match on the opening day was the most drama filled game and it proved to be a perfect opening for El Salvador. The United States will have to regroup in their second match but this time against Portugal on Friday. El Salvador now has three points and they will need to build on them in their second match against Argentina on Friday.
The home crowd were a big boost for El Salvador but the match remained scoreless in the opening minutes. The United States were definitely on their hills specially after they gave up the first goal. The game slowed down but the fans grew louder, but the Americans seemed to settle in the score state the same until Segovia scored in the final minutes of the frame putting El Salvador up 2 – 0 going in to the first break. In beach soccer a two-goal deficit is nothing to panic about, but when playing a team such us El Salvador, it can look daunting. The Yankees tried as they might but they could not find their first goal as the El Salvadorians held control 2 – 0 going into the final period.
The hosts were not satisfied with their slim lead and they began the final 12 minutes on a terror, but the American defense stayed just strong enough to only cede one early goal making the score 3 – 0. The Red, White, and Blue then began their comeback march by scoring two fast goals, which silenced the crowd. The home team was able to find their energy once again and score their fourth goal. When the final buzzer sounded El Salvador had earned a 4 – 2 win.
Goals: 0 – 1: Batres, min 9 (1); 0 – 2: Segovia, min 3 (1); 0 – 3: Agustin, min 8 (3); 1 – 3: Greenfield, min 4 (3); 2 – 3: Penaherrera, min 2 (3); 2 – 4: Batres, min 1 (3)
Copa Pilsener Fútbol Playa 2016
Thursday 24.03.16
15.00 – Portugal 6-0 Argentina
16.15 – USA 2-4 El Salvador
Matches for tomorrow:
Friday 25.03.16
15.00 – Portugal vs USA
16.15 – El Salvador vs Argentina
