The Portuguese show their strength to go for the Mundialito
Hosts Portugal have clearly stated that they are not letting the Mundialito Cup out easily. And they found not a better way to display it than a heavy victory over the USA so to send the message out to their main opponents, Brazil. The Lusitanians’ finest seem as on shape as ever, and Madjer and Alan, two goals each, have bombed the American goal to raise Portugal on top of the table.
Home team got in command from the very beginning, and they took their dominion to the score rather quickly too. Yet in the second minute of the game, Madjer put Portugal ahead, and teammate Alan made it 2-0 for the Iberian before the break.
Alan repeated in the beginning of the second period with a terrific volley and Bruno Novo almost finished all American options with the fourth goal for the hosts. The USA, though, wanted to have their say, and right in the first minute of the third time, they shortened the distance with a brilliant move. Morales did not miss Albuquerque’s fantastic heel pass for the 4-1. But Madjer had not said his last word, yet. The Portuguese star showed why he is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world and drilled McAndrew’s goal with his left canon to raise the final 5-1.
After the game, USA’s coach, Edwin Andres, admitted that “it is really hard to get back playing precisely against Portugal. They are a really balanced, experienced team, and we are just building the team for next World Cup Qualifier. We need more sand time, because practice and matches is the only way to get better in Beach Soccer”
Goals: 1-0: Madjer, min. 10 (1); 2-0: Alan, min. 4 (1); 3-0: Alan, min. 8 (2); 4-0: Bruno Novo, min. 2 (2); 4-1: Morales, min. 11 (3); 5-0: Madjer, min. 10 (3)
Hard for Samba to take Tango out of the dance floor
Brazil have had to work it hard to manage a victory over Argentina (3-2) in the opening game of this BSWW Mundialito. Just one goal decided who was to put the points into their bag in this all-time South American classic. Although Brazil was always up in the score, Mendoza’s great saves and a couple of furious stokes, kept Argentina always in the run.
Verdeamarela’s captain, Benjamin, took advantage of his privileged goal nose to head the ball in after the Argentinean goalie refused a powerful attempt by Bueno. It was just the second minute of the first period, and it seemed that Brazilians would heavily get rid of Argentina, a feeling that went even further after Daniel and Bruno crushed two balls into the Albiceleste crossbar.
But the score was not to move again until mid second period. The Argentinean defensive play became tougher than expected for the canarinha, who found it hard to find Mendoza’s net again. Only Bueno managed it to make place Brazil 2-0 up, but a brilliant bicycle kick by De Ezeyza tightened the distance again before the second break.
Hard-fought contest continued in the third period. Brazil showed their magic little by little, although every single sparkle was really valuable. Like those by André and Bruno, that constructed a great combination move for the latter to smoothly place the ball in the goalmouth, right where a wonderful Mendoza could not reach. But it was not over, yet, since Vivas took the best example of the Brazilian third goal to build a really similar one for Argentina: unstoppable one-two with Ezeyza, and powerful left-foot drive for the 3-2. It was three minutes yet for the final whistle, and Argentina wanted the equalizer and looked for it, but experimented Brazil gave the Albiceleste no chance to level the scoreboard.
Goals: 1-0: Benjamin, min. 9 (1); 2-0: Bueno, min. 6 (2); 2-1: De Ezeyza, min. 2 (2); 3-1: Andre, min. (3); 3-2: Vivas, min. 3 (3)
Results and Match Schedule
6 August (Friday)
14h00 Match 1: Brazil 3 vs 2 Argentina
Followed by Match 2 Portugal 5 vs 1 USA
7 August (Saturday)
14h00 Match 3 Brazil vs USA
Followed by Match 4 Portugal vs Argentina
9 August (Sunday)
14hh00 Match 5 Argentina vs USA
Followed by: Match 6 Portugal vs Brazil
General Standings
|
|
Points |
Goal Difference |
|
Portugal |
3 |
+4 |
|
Brazil |
3 |
+1 |
|
Argentina |
0 |
-1 |
|
USA |
0 |
-4 |
