The clash of the heavyweights went the way of the South Americans.
Brazil clinched their 13th Mundialito title on Sunday in Cascais as they beat previous holders Portugal 6-4 to ensure top place in the men’s competition.
Both sides had picked up maximum points against the United States and China and Sunday’s showdown didn’t disappoint, with some of the world’s best players on show, vying for top spot.
Portugal took the lead three times in the opening period but went in level amid some enthralling beach soccer, before Brazil edged clear late in the game, captain Bruno Xavier having the final say as Brazil marked their first Mundialito appearance since 2011 with the trophy.
The opening goal of the game came via Be Martins’ clever finish from Belchior’s lobbed pass and, while Datinha levelled, the Portuguese quickly restored the lead in a frantic opening 12 minutes.
Caterino responded in kind with a goal straight from kick-off, with Andrade required to deny opposite number Mao as temperatures rose on Carcavelos Beach.
B. Novo looked to have sent Portugal in ahead at the first interval, only for Mao’s effort to skim off Coimbra and in, and the goals continued after the restart as Lucao put Brazil in front.
Portugal failed to respond before the final period and went in search of a leveller during the last 12 minutes, Coimbra going close with a free-kick before Filipe gave the Brazilians breathing space with a low shot that found the bottom corner.
Jose Maria reduced the deficit but captain Bruno Xavier hammered home from the midway point to complete the scoring and ensure the Mundialito headed back to South America after a five-year absence.
The remainder of the table was also decided on Sunday as United States picked up their first points with an 8-2 win over China on Sunday.
Both sides were playing for third spot – having failed to take anything from Brazil or Portugal – and it was China who took a surprise lead early on, having shipped 30 goals in their previous games.
But the US eventually ground down their opponents to win at a canter – captain Perera weighing in with a four-goal haul to help his side to a third-place finish.
Sunday’s results
USA 8-2 China
Portugal 4-6 Brazil
