16 Jul 2015

Madjer magic puts Portgal into semis

Switzerland was unable to overcome the home crowd and high-scoring offense of the Portuguese

Hosts Portugal booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after they coasted past Switzerland 7-3, in part thanks to a sublime Madjer hat-trick.

Another stellar performance to go with many over the years from the Portuguese maestro, peaking with a glorious volley to double his own tally, meant the partisan crowd had plenty to cheer about as they set up a meeting with Russia.

Just over a minute was on the clock when the hosts got a leg up in the most unusual fashion. A brief lapse in concentration saw a routine chip back to the goalkeeper by Stephan Leu turn into a dramatic own goal, though Noel Ott vollied them level right before the break.

Parity was short-lived, however, as the second period kicked off with three minutes of action to savour. Madjer slammed the home side in front straight from kick-off before goalkeeper Andrade, emulating Brazilian counterpart Mao in the earlier game, saw his dipping volley pick out the top corner sublimely. Belchior's driven free-kick stretched their advantage, only for Dejan Stankovic to emulate Madjer and hit straight back from the restart.

After a decidedly more subdued finish to the period, the Portuguese legend scored with a stunning effort to kick off the third. His goal of the tournament-contender – a sweet first-time volley from half way that picked out the top corner – looked to have all but sealed progression. With time ebbing away he completed his hat-trick, getting his seventh of the tournament, as the home fans counted down the seconds as their side stepped into the semis.

(Source: FIFA.com)