13 Jul 2015

Portugal progress, eliminate Argentina

The hosts quite possibly saved their best match for last and it means they will advance to Quarters

Hosts Portugal reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup with an emphatic 7-2 victory over Argentina in Espinho, with seasoned campaigners Madjer and Alan guiding the side through to the knockout stages.

The veteran pair grabbed a brace apiece, with Belchior, Torres and Jose Maria completing the Seleção scoring line-up, with Luciano Sirico and Santiago Hilaire's late consolation efforts doing little to brighten the spirits of the Argentinian faithful as they depart the tournament.

Belchior and Madjer put the Portuguese in a commanding position in what was effectively a 'group stage knockout' match with their goals in the opening period, before Torres and Alan all but confirmed the hosts' quarter-final berth going into the second interval. 

Further efforts from Alan, Madjer and a late Jose Maria saw off a brief final period fightback from Argentina, who saw Sirico's penalty and Hilaire's effort offer a glimmer of hope for the Albiceleste, but it was too little, too late.

The hosts now await the result of the showdown between Japan and Senegal to see if they finish first or second in Group A, while the South Americans will start making their plans for an early return home.

(Source: FIFA.com)