The hosts and the Portuguese bend Switzerland (6-4) and Uruguay (7-1) to grasp first points at the Copa das Naçoes
First day in Recife concluded with Portugal and Brazil topping the highest part of the table, after their victories over Uruguay and Switzerland.
Showing a great beach soccer, Brazil beat Switzerland in the last match of the day at the Copa das Naçoes Beach Soccer. Despite Stankovic opened the score for the Alpine, the Verdeamarela did not frighten, and Mauricinho equalized the score before the first hooter.
The game was terribly tight and it was now Brazil the ones stepping ahead, thanks to Bruno Xavier. But, again, the score was balanced following a hit by Meier. Junior Negão’s side were feeling confident despite Switzerland’s goal, and a 3-0 run during the second period fairly unbalanced the score on their favour.
Switzerland tried to react in the last stage of the game, but the hosts immediately responded to Stankovic’s 5-3 with Datinha’s 6-3. The Alpine number 9 cut the distance once again with five minute to go, but his effort was not enough to enlighten the Swiss hopes, and time run out leaving the points in Brazilian hands.
Portugal gain top of the table following heavy win
In the first match of the competition, Portugal cruised past Uruguay, mainly thanks to an outstanding performance by Jordan. Yet in the first period of the game, Narciso’s side had left the Charrúa almost with no chance to the points. The 3-0 run left things fairly unbalanced for the European, and their dominion would not tremble during the following periods.
With 4-0, Ricar pulled one back for Uruguay, but the Portuguese were too much in control of the game. Two more goals by Jordan Santos to round the hat-trick, and another one by Lucio left the score an uncontestable 7-1 in the score, what lets the Lusitanian top the table after this first day of competition in Recife.