Bruno Xavier’s and Andre’s hits, plus Mão’s save for Corinthians, prevail over Benjamin’s hit for Flamengo
Only stars could decide such a leveled match as the one opening the III Mundialito de Clubes, between Braziliant giants Flamengo and Corinthians. Just one goal made the difference in this thriller, as two hits and a huge save got the points flying for the paulista.
Things began happening rather quickly. A free kick conceded by Bruno Malias was monetized by Brazilian legend Benjamin, who combed the ball past Mão to push the Rubro-negro ahead only 70 seconds into the game.
But the reaction by the Timão was to come quickly. Another of the prolific attackers Brazil have in their ranks, André, would level things back, with the adidas Golden Ball winner of the last FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2013, Bruno Xavier, firing the winner home just one minute afterwards.
Amazingly, and despite there were more than two periods yet to be played, the score did not move again. The fight on the sand was tough, and no other ball found the back of the net, specially thanks to the goalkeepers’ efforts.
Indeed, if big aces gave the game the score it had, another Beach Soccer monster had it remain as it was. In the last minutes of the game, Mão denied Datinha’s attempt from the penalty kick, bagging the points for Corinthians. The Paulista close this first matchday in Copacabana at the top of the table in Group B. But the fight has just begun…
