Penalty kick win for Vasco over Barcelona, and narrow wins by Corinthians and Botafogo as Flamengo punishes AC Milan
Tough 3 points earned by Botafogo
The second match of the tournament but the first match on the first full day day of action did not leave the fans wanting for excitement. The first match for both Botafogo F.R. and Al-Ahli F.C. was back and forth but the three points were earned by the carioca with a 2-0 win. Both goalies played extremely well and were it not for Ahmed, the goalkeeper for Al-Ahli, the score would have been much worse.
Early in the match, chances were limited but the attacks that did make it through saw the strikes hit the posts creating even more excitement. The defensive battle continued until a penalty shot was awarded to Botafogo and Be Martins netted the shot. Spectacular tackles and sound goalie play dictated the opening as the penalty was the only goal yielded. The period ended with a score of Botafogo 1-0 Al-Ahli.
The pace significantly increased in the 2nd period but early on there were no goals as both defenses seemed to tighten. Al-Ahli committed another penalty near their own goal but the Botafogo shot glanced off the post. The near-miss seemed to motivate Al-Ahli as they immediately drove to the other end and were poised to score but they struck the post as well. The emotion of such close opportunities opened the field to more chances for both sides. This heightened excitement benefited Botafogo as they added another goal in the middle of the period on a beautiful feed from Be Martins to Alan. Botafogo went into the final break up 2-0.
If speed dictated the second period, the final frame was defined by physicality and strong challenges. In the opening minutes of the 3rd period, Botafogo had another shot hit the post but neither side could score in part due to some bad luck but wonderful saves from both goalies. The chances increased as it looked like both teams had learned how to specifically play against each other. Botafogo’s defense was a little more porous but still did not concede a goal. The game ended with a flurry of shots from both sides but was whistled over just as the period had began, with Botafogo up 2-0.
The 2-0 win for Botafogo F.R. over Al-Ahli gives them three points in their first match of the tournament. The amazing play from Botafogo goalie Fanta is great news for his side but bad news for every other team. Botafogos’ next match will be on Thursday against F.C. Barcelona. The loss leaves Al-Ahli still searching for their first points and first goal, and CR Vasco Da Gama await the Emirati now in the first match on Thursday.
Goals: 1-0: Be Martins, min. 5 (1); 2-0: Alan, min. 5 (2).
Corinthians earn another victory
The second match of the tournament for S.C. Corinthians P. was again a truly intense one. Only one goal had the Timão narrowly defeating Mundialito De Clubes newcomers CA Peñarol 4-3. The Uruguayans surprised everyone with their inspired play and have caught the attention of all the other upcoming clubs as a team to be reckoned with.
Set pieces were the theme of the opening period. Both squads had many kicks and corners but could not capitalize early. In fact, both sides boasted very stout defense all through the period until the final two minutes when seconds after each other, both teams scored. Corinthians struck early with a magnificent goal by Bruno Xavier but not one minute did take Peñarol to even the score at 1. The period ended with that same score, 1-1.
The second period saw no time wasted for offense. Corinthians scored less than two minutes into the middle frame, Bruno Malias put his side up 2-1 with a difficult put-back after a save from Peñarol. The Montevideo side was not to be satisfied with a one goal and they leveled the score at 2 with an unbelievable bicycle kick from Fred. The frenetic pace continued late into the period and the goals did not halt, as Peñarol scored one more to give them their first lead of the match, and the period ended with a score of 2-3 for the newcomers.
The first booking of the match came early in the third but it did not adversely effect the booked team, Corinthians. In the period’s opening minutes neither team could take advantage of some very good looks at the goal. The score remained the same heading into the latter half of the frame. Despite losing, Corinthians had control of the ball much of the time and that eventually paid off as Bruno Malias scored his second goal of the match to tie the game at 3. A late penalty kick gave Peñarol a chance to take the lead very late, but it was spectacularly saved, again, by Mão. Instead, Corinthians scored on a wonderful overhead kick with under a minute left to get the win 4-3.
The last second goal by Anderson gave Corinthians the 4-3 victory over Peñarol and another 3 points. In a match that had everything, bookings, offense, defense, and lead changes, Corinthians got their second win of the tournament. Peñarol will have a chance to earn their first three points against CR Flamengo on Thursday. Next up for SC Corinthians P. is AC Milan on Thursday.
Goals: 1-0: Bruno Xavier, min. 1 (1); 1-1: Martin, min. 1 (1); 2-1: Bruno Malias, min. 10 (2); 2-2: Fred, min. 9 (2); 2-3: Ricar, min. 1 (2); 3-3: Bruno Malias, min. 4 (3); 4-3: Anderson, min. 1 (3).
Vasco da Gama quiets Barcelona on penalties
With lineups that include International and Club scoring leaders, a defensive bout kept the goal scorers quiet. More than they’re used to at least. The 4-4 (1-0) penalties win over F.C. Barcelona gives C.R. Vasco da Gama their first win and the two points earned have things looking up for them. Barcelona was unable to win a very difficult first match but the stiff competition will help them in their upcoming matches.
Barcelona and Vasco da Gama looked very sharp on both sides of ball early in the period. Dona, the Barcelona goalkeeper, made two flawless saves back-to-back early in the frame as Vasco da Gama took a free kick just outside of the penalty area, then aimed the rebound at goal also. The Trem Bala da Praia had many more shots on goal and chances to score in the opening frame but were not able to come away with goals until the 7th minute when Bueno scored on a great redirect. Just a few minutes later, the Swiss Bomber Dejan Stankovic, scored on a penalty kick for Barcelona to even the score at 1, which is how the period ended.
The middle frame began with some great opportunities for Barcelona, but this time Cesinha, the keeper for the carioca, stepped his game up and made some amazing saves to keep the score even. Heading into the middle of the period, the scored was tied at 1. That did not last for long as Spanish star, Nico, gave Barcelona the 2-1 lead on a strong left-footed strike. The goals began flowing though as Vasco Da Gama scored when a free kick was tapped into the net to tie the game again. Vasco was not done yet and Jorginho scored on a hightlight-worthy bicycle kick to give his team the advantage again. The period ended with Vasco da Gama up 3-2.
Early chances were easily deflected by both teams as both defenses were determined to win the match for their side. The third period was no different than the previous two as both squads were very evenly matched. Late in the period, Gil, of Vasco da Gama, was given a red card and sent off, but luckily for Vasco, Gil was not on the pitch and they were allowed to keep 5 players on the sand instead of going one man down. Going into the final minutes, no goals had been scored in the final frame until Ozu scored late for Barcelona to even the game at 3. That is how regulation would end, with the score tied at 3 going into overtime.
Early in overtime, Vasco had a lapse in judgement, with Cesinha keeping the ball too long, what gave Barcelona a free kick, a chance Stankovic pounded home to put Barcelona up 4-3. With the match heading for its end, and only seven seconds remaining, Vasco was awarded a free kick, which Boquinha sent to the back of the net to send the match to penalties, where the carioca would prove better aimed.
The 4-4 (1-0) penalties win gives Vasco an extra boost in confidence heading into their next match against Al-Ahli on Thursday. The two points will serve Vasco greatly going forward with the rest of the tournament. The loss will give Barcelona even more motivation to get a win and earn their first points going into their Thursday match against Botafogo F.R.
Goals: 1-0: Bueno, min. 7 (1); 1-1: Stankovic, min. 4 (1); 1-2: Nico, min. 5 (2); 2-2: Mauricinho, min. 3 (2); 3-2: Jorginho, min. 1 (2); 3-3: Ozu, min. 3 (3); 3-4: Stankovic, min. 1 (et); 4-4: Bokinha, min. 1 (et).
Penalties: Jorginho, out: Stankovic, out: Mauricinho, in; Amarelle, Cesinha saves.
Flamengo uses big 2nd period to beat AC Milan
After an opening match loss on Sunday, C.R. Flamengo rebounded nicely and defeated A.C. Milan 7-3. The match was filled with close calls and if it were not for great defense and some spectacular saves there could have been 20 goals and the result would have been much different. The three points earned by C.R. Flamengo keep them in the hunt in Group B. A.C. Milan will need to regroup after the tough loss.
The excitement started early, with C.R. Flamengo nearly scoring in the opening minutes whereas A.C. Milan needed a splendid save to keep the score at 0. ‘Fla’ was on the attack most of the first period, more so than A.C. Milan, but things were still knotted until a magical display of passing and touch led to a bicycle kick by Case, giving Flamengo the 1-0 lead. The earlier game, played by Flamengo on the opening day of the tournament, Sunday, November 10th, looked like it did wonders for them, as they looked more poised and sharp than the rossoneri. Both teams began creating more and more opportunities but the opening period ended with the carioca up 1-0.
The second frame began with two very quick goals that saw A.C. Milan tie the game on a rebound, only to see how, on the ensuing kick-off, Flamengo scored another go-ahead goal, going up 2-1. Despite giving up the early goal, the Rubro-negro were still in control for much of the period. After a booking on Flamengo, things became a little easier for Milan and they began attacking and getting more quality shots on goal. That changed when the A.C. Milan goalie made a mistake that allowed a goal, and then off a quick corner, a few seconds later, Flamengo scored again to go up 4-1. Milan gained life again when they struck a great bicycle kick to pull within two goals. That is how the period would end, Flamengo up 4-2.
The carioca were not happy with scoring only four goals in front of their crowd, and knew they needed more to hold off Milan, so in the opening minutes of the period, they added another goal on a breakaway to make the score 5-2. Milan showed great energy and was awarded a penalty kick early in the third. Willian, the keeper for Flamengo, made the save but was booked for coming out too far, what allowed Milan net the next attempt to come back within two goals. That was not enough to make the hosts stumble, and Flamengo came right back and scored to go up by three goals again, 6-3. Another hit by Stockler’s side, thanks to goalkeeling gaffe by Milan would have the final score on 7-3.
Goals: 1-0: Case, min. 7 (1); 1-1: Ramacciotti, min. 11 (2); 2-1: Benjamin: min. 11 (2); 3-1: Souza, min. 5 (2); 4-1: Digo, min. 5 (2); 4-2: Gori, min. 4 (2); 5-2: Eudin, min. 10 (3); 5-3: Gori, min. 9 (3); 6-3: Souza, min. 8 (3); 7-3: Souza, min. 3 (3).
III MUNDIALITO DE CLUBES BEACH SOCCER
Results today:
Wednesday, 13th of November, 2013
13:30 – Botafogo F.R. 2-0 Al-Ahli F.C. (Group A)
14:45 – S.C. Corinthians P. 4-3 C.A. Peñarol (Group B)
16:00 – C.R. Vasco Da Gama 4(1)-4(0) F.C. Barcelona (Group A)
17:15 – C.R. Flamengo 7-3 A.C. Milan (Group B)
Games for tomorrow:
Thursday, 14th of November, 2013
13:30 – Al-Ahli F.C. vs. C.R. Vasco Da Gama (Group A)
14:45 – Botafogo F.R. vs. F.C. Barcelona (Group A)
16:00 – C.A. Peñarol vs. C.R. Flamengo (Group B)
17:15 – S.C. Corinthians P. vs. A.C. Milan (Group B)
