Corinthians and Flamengo secure semifinals

Vasco remains unbeaten, as Barcelona beats Botafogo on tight match to get closer to next round. Peñarol and AC Milan are out

Barcelona rebounds nicely from tough loss

A loss in penalties in their first match of the tournament did not have any adverse affect on Barcelona as they came out scoring and netted six goals in comparison to the five goals scored by Botafogo. The win gave Barcelona its first victory of the tournament and keeps them in the running for the title. Botafogo earned a victory yesterday and still can gain semifinals, despite the 6-5 loss.

The opening period was exactly how Barcelona needed to start the match, scoring two quick goals, but Botafogo would not be held down for long and they responded with a goal of their own. All three goals were scored within the first four minutes. The pace did not slow but the goals became a little harder to come by as the period went on. Neither side was able to score again in the frame and Barcelona went into the first break up 2-1.

The second period began just where the first period ended, with spectacular goalkeeping. A change in goal for Barcelona did not seem to diminish their high caliber defensive effort, though. In the 9th minute things changed again as both teams added one goal in the same minute, Botafogo on a penalty kick and Barcelona with an electric volley and rebound. It looked like the second period would end like the first frame, with a flurry of goals and then defense, but in the final minute of the period three goals were scored, two by Barcelona, and the period ended with a score of Botafogo 3-4 Barcelona.

The excitement from the first two periods carried over to the third as well, as great shots and saves were made early in the period. Nico of Barcelona was not satisfied with only one goal on the day and consequently scored early in the period to give his side a little more space from Botafogo. The middle of the period saw Botafogo score on their second penalty kick of the game, to pull them within two goals. Late in frame Barcelona was dealt a blow when Stankovic was given his second yellow card of the match and will not be unavailable for their next match.

The 6-5 win for Barcelona was much needed after losing their opening match in penalties to C.R. Vasco Da Gama and they now own the tiebreaker over Botafogo. Botafogo won their first match but they will need help if they hope to advance to the championship. On Friday, Botafogo will face C.R. Vasco Da Gama in a match they must win. Barcelona will face Al-Ahli on Friday and hope to add to their momentum.

Goals: 0-1: Stankovic, min. 10 (1); 0-2: Cristian, min. 9 (1); 1-2: Sidney, min. 8 (1); 2-2: Alan, min. 9 (2); 2-3: Nico, min. 9 (2); 3-3: Antonio, min. 1 (2); 3-4: Stankovic, min. 1 (2); 3-5: Juanma, min. 1 (2); 3-6: Nico, min. 9 (3); 4-6: Vini, min. 7 (3); 5-6: Dmais, min. 1 (3).

Vasco Da Gama earns second straight win

The fight between Vasco da Gama and Al Ahli match was exciting from start to finish, with goals being scored in bunches. Both Carioca and Emirati showed great mettle and were resilient as the two teams exchanged goals throughout. The early two goal and then three goal lead was too much for Marcelo Mendes’ side to overcome and the final score ended up 4-6. Vasco got another win, however penatlies did not decide this one and Vasco earned three points. Despite strong play in their first two matches, and three goals by Portuguese ace Belchior today, Al-Ahli has been not lucky so far.

The opening frame began with a supremely quick goal for Vasco da Gama to give them the early one goal lead. After a rapid first few minutes, both teams calmed themselves defensively and no other goals were scored until Vasco was awarded a penalty kick in the middle of the period, which they netted. Making sure to keep the game close, Al-Ahli scored soon afterwards to give them their first goal of the match and pull within 2 goals. The first period ended with a score of 3-1, advantage for the Trem Bala da Praia.

The second leg saw another quick goal scored by Vasco to put them up by three goals. Just as Vasco looked to run away with the match, Al-Ahli responded, with a penalty kick by the Brazilian star Belchior. The goal pulled the Emirati to within 2 goals, but less than a minute later, Vasco took advantage of a turnover to go back up by three. A second penalty kick was given to Belchior of Al-Ahli and he did the same thing again, scored. In the middle of the period the Dubai-based had a two goal deficit, down 3-5. Despite wonderful chances from both squads and a red card given to both teams, no other goals were scored in the second period. The frame ended with a score of Al-Ahli 3-5 Vasco.

Stiff goaltending and defense dictated the opening minutes of the final period. The shots were numerous and despite solid shots neither side scored as the goalies did wonders on direct kicks and acrobatic attempts. The defensive work from both sides was spectacular in the final period as no goals were scored and the match ended with Vasco winning 4-6 after both sides scored very late goals. Belchior made the final goal for Al-Ahli completing a hat-trick.

The three points, in the 4-6 victory, for Vasco da Gama, when added to the two they earned yesterday put them in a great position to advance to the semi-finals. Despite being shut out in their opening match, the four goals against Vasco were not enough for Al-Ahli to win their first match of the tournament. Al-Ahli will face F.C. Barcelona on Friday and Vasco Da Gama will be matched against Botafogo.

Goals: 0-1: Bueno, min. 11 (1); 0-2: Buru, min. 5 (1); 1-2: Ali Karim, min. 3 (1); 1-3: Mauricinho, min. 2 (1); 1-4: Betinho, min. 10 (2): 2-4: Belchior, min. 9 (2); 2-5: Bokinho, min. 9 (2); 3-5: Belchior, min. 8 (2); 3-6: Mauricinho, min. 1 (3); 4-6: Belchior, min. 1 (3).

Flamengo runs past Peñarol and secures semi-finals

Earning a win and three points were the goals for Flamengo and that is exactly what they did. The 11-5 victory gives Flamengo six points, with which they ensure their berth in semifinals, together with Corinthians. Despite a fierce fight again today, Peñarol was unable to get their first win and points. The emotionally charged match saw a bit of everything with strikingly effective defense and stunning offensive fireworks.

Early goals were hard to come by for both teams. Excellent defense stopped all chances. The goalies from both teams put on spectacular shows and they kept the scores level. In the last few minutes of the frame, Flamengo capitalized on a turnover on Peñarol’s side of the pitch and scored the first of the match. That hit created more space for both teams and Peñarol scored the equalizer on a penalty kick. The tie did not last more than five seconds as Flamengo scored on the ensuing kick-off and added another goal with less than a minute before the period ended. Not to be outdone, Peñarol scored again mere seconds later and the period ended with a score of Peñarol 2-3 Flamengo.

The opening minute of the middle frame saw Flamengo restore their two goal lead with a goal coming from the kick-off. After the quick goal the defenses and goalkeepers took center stage again and no goals were scored as the middle point of the period was reached. Heading into the closing minutes of the period no more goals had been scored, but there were exciting free kicks and shots ricocheting of the goal posts. Both sides were booked in the period as the ball seemed to be magnetically attracted to nearly everyone’s arms and hands. There were 10 seconds left when the Carioca added to their lead with a precise strike. Heading into the final period the score was Peñarol 2-5 Flamengo.

Similar to the second period, the third frame began with a quick goal by Flamengo, putting the match nearly out of reach for Peñarol. However, unlike the second period, the scoring did not stop and the Rubro-negro added another goal to give them a five goal lead. Peñarol would not let the deficit phase them and Martin scored two quick goals before the middle of the period. The two goals brought Peñarol back within 3 goals, but Flamengo had their own star who scored a ridiculous four goals to put his team that much out of reach. The teams exchanged goals late into the period and it ended with a score of Peñarol 5-11 Flamengo.

With the three points and second win, ‘Fla’ now has six points to go along with a record breaking match, where a total of 16 combined goals were scored. Peñarol will look for their first win against A.C. Milan tomorrow. Flamengo, in turn, awaits for an opponent in semi-finals.

Goals: 0-1: Benjamin, min. 4 (1); 1-1: Villalobos, min. 3 (1); 1-2: Souza, min. 3(1); 1-3: Toinho, min. 1 (1); 2-3: Matias, min. 1 (1); 2-4: Eudin, min. 11 (2); 2-5: Datinha, min. 1 (2); 2-6: Eudin, min. 11 (3); 2-7: Eudin, min. 9 (3); 3-7: Martin, min. 7 (3); 4-7: Martin, min. 6 (3); 4-8: Eudin, min. 3 (3); 4-9: Datinha, min. 3 (3); 5-9: Nico, min. 2 (3); 5-10: Leo, min. 2 (3); 5-11: Leo, min. 1 (3).

Corinthians score early to win

Looking to stay undefeated, Corinthians showed up early and were able to hold off A.C. Milan in a 5-4 victory. The Italian side played arguably two of the best clubs in the tournament in their first two matches and are still searching for a win. Corinthians went up right at the beginning and earned a wide advantage. Milan clawed their way back, but they just did not have enough in the end to overcome the big deficit.

Less than three minutes into the opening period, Corinthians were able to score two spectacular goals that put A.C. Milan in a big hole. After the onslaught of goals, defense became a major factor for both teams and had the near misses actually connected, there would have been many more goals. Corinthians did score on a gorgeous header late in the frame to take a 3-0 advantage going into the first break.

The Timão utilized the score quick method to make sure A.C. Milan could not get into rhythm. Andre of Corinthians scored his second goal of the match to put his side up four. The rossoneri could not be held down for long as Catarino scored Milan’s first goal of the match to get within three goals again. Only seconds later Catarino, again, cut that advantage shorter thanks to free kick stemming from a hand ball foul. The Italian giants found new energy and were attacking more and more as the game progressed. At the same time, their defense did their job and limited Corinthians opportunities, not allowing any more goals in the middle period, what had Corinthians going into the final frame up 2 goals, 4-2.

Understandably, Milan was not satisfied with staying two goals down and they utilized an up-tempo attack to keep the match close, but Estrada, the Corinthians goalkeeper, was just as determined to thwart the strikes. Early in the period there were not any goals scored, despite a frenzied pace with solid chances. After a great display of offense, Milan scored again. Gori nailed a beautiful overhead kick to get back one more goal, meaning they were only down one goal. Before it was too late, Corinthians scored their first goal since the opening minute of the second period to go back up by two once again. Milan had some very good opportunities to score again and eventually, on a penalty kick, Gori netted his second of the match to make the score 5-4, advantage Corinthians. That would remain the final score.

Corinthians earned three points in a 5-4 win against Milan to stay unbeaten in the group stage and captured their 9th point. Corinthians will next play on Saturday in a semi-final match. The loss for Milan is a difficult one to swallow after a nearly heroic comeback, made bitter by the fact that their chances to progress to semifinals are all gone.

Goals: 1-0: Rafinha, min. 11 (1); 2-0: Daniel, min. 9 (1); 3-0: Andre, min. 2 (1); 4-0: Andre, min. 11 (2); 4-1: Catarino, min. 10 (2); 4-2: Catarino, min. 9 (2); 4-3: Gori, min. 9 (3); 5-3: Rafinha, min. 7 (3); 5-4: Gori, min. 2 (3).

III MUNDIALITO DE CLUBES BEACH SOCCER

Results:

13:30 – Botafogo F.R. 5-6 F.C. Barcelona (Group A)
14:45 – Al-Ahli F.C. 4-6 C.R. Vasco Da Gama (Group A)
16:00– C.A. Peñarol 5-11 C.R. Flamengo (Group B)
17:15 – S.C. Corinthians P. 5-4 A.C. Milan (Group B)  

Games for tomorrow:

Friday, 15th of November, 2013
12:30 – F.C. Barcelona vs. Al-Ahli (Group B)
13:45 – C.R. Vasco Da Gama vs. Botafogo F.R. (Group A)
15:00 РA.C. Milan vs. C.A. Pe̱arol (Group B)