STORE 
MY BEACH SOCCER 
The holders can’t be caught after proving too strong for England in Sal.
Portugal secured the 8-1 win that would ultimately wrap up their second Sal Beach Soccer Cup title with a dominant display against England on Saturday.
The defending champions were guaranteed the title later in the day courtesy of Cape Verde’s loss to Germany but Portugal did their bit thanks to a four-goal salvo from tournament top-scorer Leo Martins.
Jaz Camara ensured a consolation goal for England who will go up against Germany in the battle for second place on Sunday.
The contest began with plety of Portugal pressure but it proved to no avail until Bruno Novo rounded Taylor Humm and tapped in the opener.
England remained stubborn after the break – Portugal going closest to a second when Cameron O’Rourke almost deflected in Jordan Santos’ strike – only for the in-form Leo Martins to find the bottom corner with an accurate strike.
Portugal did much of their damage before the second break, Madjer given too much space to fire past Jackson prior to Jordan’s finishing a slick team move.
England’s closest attempt to that point came when Terry Bowes’ set-piece was well saved by Elinton Andrade.
However, Angel Lopez Torres’ men eventually got on the scoresheet courtesy of 18-year-old Camara’s first international goal.
It proved shortlived, Leo Martins strengthening his bid for tournament top scorer with three more goals, while Pedro Silva added to his opening-day strik, Portugal doing enough to ultimately ensure a successful title defence.
Four goals from Christian Biermann ensured Germany their first win of the Sal Beach Soccer Cup 2017 as hosts Cape Verde went down 5-3 in front of their home fans.
The home nation battled back from two goals down to level through Germano Brito and Henry Lopes Morais, with Elton Augusto Ramos equalising again to cancel out Sascha Weirauch’s effort.
However, two late Biermann goals ensured Germany the points, with Cape Verde finishing their campaign against champions Portugal on Sunday.
Biermann proved the difference in the first period, scoring early and late to put Germany in the driving seat in their search to finish the event in second place.
While Tonass missed a great chance for Cape Verde early in the second period, Kandu eventually got the hosts on the scoresheet before Henry produced a stunning strike to level, finding the top corner from distance.
Weirauch responded with a precise set-piece but once again Cape Verde showed their spirit to level matters when Tonass slid home another equaliser.
From there, Biermann settled matters as he seized on a loose ball to finish ruthlessly past Manuel Joao Silva in the hosts’ goal.
The German’s penalty with 13 seconds left on the clock ended hopes of another Cape Verde fightback, with Germany left to focus on their battle for second against England on Sunday.
Saturday results
15:00: Portugal 8-1 England
16:15: Cape Verde 3-5 Germany
Sunday fixtures
15:00: Germany v England
16:15: Cape Verde v Portugal
