Switzerland victory over the Cuscatleco today gives only one possible outcome: either the hosts or the Brazilians will prevail
Crowd disappointed as Switzerland defeats El Salvador
El Salvador was unable to hold the one-goal lead early and despite a late comeback, they were not able to defeat the Swiss, who finished the final period very strong and won by a score of 7-5. Both teams now have one loss in the tournament, and only a win over Brazil (with an advantage wider than 2 goals) or a win combined with an eventual loss by the Alpine against England in the last matchday, would give the title to La Azul Playera.
Hosts, El Salvador began the opening period playing with a little trepidation as the Swiss looked to dominate but were unable to get many shots on goal early. Switzerland turned the ball over near the middle of the middle of the period and El Salvador nailed a shot home to score the first goal of the match and give the locals a 1-0 lead. El Salvador capitalized on another opportunity midway through the opening frame to give themselves the early 2-0 lead. Switzerland scored on a late free kick from Stankovic to bring themselves to within one goal as the period’s seconds ticked down. The first frame ended with a score of El Salvador 2-1 Switzerland.
Early in the second leg it looked as though Switzerland would tie the game, but the Salvadorian defense and goalkeeping was too strong. Stankovic would not be denied for very long as midway through the period he scored his second goal of the match to level the score at 2. The Swiss added two more quick goals to go up by a score of 4-2. It was now the time for El Salvador to come back into the game, and the hosts did not shy away from the opportunity to come from behind and scored on a penalty shot to get within one goal. It was the second goal of the night for Frank. El Salvador knew that tying the game before the third period was very important and so they did late in the period with a penalty kick, and the middle frame ended tied at 4.
The final period was very exciting and tense as both teams exchanged shots on goal but were unable to find the go-ahead score. Direct kicks and turnovers were prevalent in the final frame though neither squad was able to take advantage and score. Defense and offense were both on full display as both teams needed a win. Switzerland finally found the crack on the Cuscatleco defense, and added three more late goals to finish the game on top. Abraham pulled one back for the hosts, with a goal that could be really important in terms of goal average.
The three points were the first points for the Swiss and will use that momentum to face a winless squad, England, on the last day, Sunday. El Salvador will face Brazil on Sunday in the final match, with the possibility to prevail on their own land. It will not be easy, though, as they need a wide win, or a victory plus a Swiss defeat to accomplish that dream.
Goals: 1-0: Agustin, min. 8 (1); 2-0: Frank, min. 6 (1): 2-1: Stankovic: min. 1 (1): 2-2: Stankovic, min. 7 (2): 2-3: Stankovic, min. 6 (2): 2-4: Ott, min. 5 (2): 3-4: Frank, min. 5 (2): 4-4: Abraham, min. 3 (2): 4-5: Stankovic, min. 2 (3): 4-6: Ott, min. 0 (3): 4-7: Ott, min. 0 (3): 5-7: Abraham, min. 0 (3).
Brazil dominates in exciting match
Brazil defeated England 11-1 and showed why they are some of the world’s best players. Brazil gets their second win in as many games, while England is on the opposite of that scale and is looking to win their first game against El Salvador on Sunday. Defense and offense were on the prowl all night, though the Tetracampeão were able to combine both with a perfection that was just too much for the European.
The opening frame was a hectic display of beach soccer as Brazil came into the game wanting to secure first place heading into the final matches on Sunday. Brazil wont the first match, while England could not do so and the match on Saturday was an all-important game for both teams. England gave up four early goals but seemed to want to have a say in the match and continued to push forward. The first period ended with a score of 4-0, Brazil.
If England had showed some big game jitters in the first period, the second period was the exact opposite as both teams were unable to score early goals, with a remarkable defensive effort by England. But at one point the offensive onslaught from Brazil was too much and midway through the middle frame Brazil scored against to add to their lead. Mao, one of the best keepers in the world, was able to save and deflect the early English chances including dangerous shots near the penalty area. Late in the period, Brazil added more goals to bring the score to 8-0, going into the final period.
The verdeamarela did not waste times scoring in the final period and quickly added another goal to keep the Three Lions out of contention. The middle frame was back and forth but Negão’s lads were not surprised by the English attacks and remained determined to score more, something they eventually managed, with the 11-0. In the last seconds of the game, England managed to finally pull one hit back, making the final score 11- 1.
The three points give Brazilians six for the tournament and are in the best possible position as they go forward, looking to secure the title, but they’ll need a victory over mighty Salvadorans tomorrow to pack the cup home. Instead, England will look to earn their first points tomorrow against Switzerland.
Goals: 1-0: Catarino, min. 10 (1); 2-0: Bokhina, min. 10 (1): 3-0: Mao, min. 8 (1): 4-0: Jordna, min. 5 (1): 5-0: Rafinha, min. 7 (2): 6-0: Catarino, min. 4 (2): 7-0: Rafina, min. 1 (2): 8-0: Mauricinho, min. 1 (2): 9-0: Rodrigo, min. 11 (3): 10-0: Diego Gam, min. 6 (2): 11-0: Maurincinho, min. 5 (3): 11-1: Evans, min. 1 (3).
COPA PÍLSENER FÚTBOL PLAYA 2014
Results:
Brazil 11-1 England
El Salvador 5-7 Switzerland
Games for tomorrow:
Sunday, 13th of April, 2014
16:00 – Switzerland vs. England
17:15 – El Salvador vs. Brazil
