Dominant win caps Portugal’s title defence

The Sal Beach Soccer Cup holders finish strongly while runners-up England edge Germany.

Portugal closed their Sal Beach Soccer Cup campaign with a dominant 12-3 win against Cape Verde on Sunday.

The holders were already guaranteed their second title in the competition’s history, but ensured a 100 per cent campaign with the help of a hat-tricks from top scorer Leo Martins and Jordan Santos as well as a four-goal haul for captain Madjer.

Despite the final scoreline, things proved tricky early on for the champions as a brace from Elton Augusto Ramos sent Cape Verde into the first break trailing only 3-2.

However, Portugal eventually pulled clear when a second from Jordan was followed by a powerful set-piece from Madjer.

The Portugal skipper was on target again before the interval while Leo martins weighed in with two smart finishes to seal his individual top scorer award.

With an 8-3 lead in the bag going into the final 12 minutes, Madjer and Jordan both completed hat-tricks, while Jose Maria and Bruno Novo completed a dominant result against the hosts.

England came out on top in their battle for second place against Germany after coming from behind to win 3-1.

With Portugal already guaranteed the title, it was Germany who began better in the battle for second spot as Christian Biermann continued his fine form with the opener.

However, English goals from Aaron Clarke, Scott Lawson and Priestley Farquharson ensured a runners-up medal for Angel Lopez Torres’ men. Biermann registered four in the victory over Cape Verde on Saturday and, after a tense opening, the Germany midfielder was on target again early in the second period.

However, England captain Clarke levelled with a calm finish past Toni Muller to ensure both sides stayed in with a shout going into the final 12 minutes.

Lawson slid home to put England in front for the first time four second into the third period and, while Germany pressured for a leveller, Farquharson angled in a third at the far post to consign Germany to third place.

Sunday results

Germany 1-3 England

Cape Verde 3-12 Portugal

Standings

1st – Portugal

2nd – England

3rd – Germany

4th – Nazare

Individual Standings

MVP: Jordan Santos (POR)

Best Goalkeeper: Taylor Humm (ENG)

Top Scorer: Be Martins (POR)