Narciso’s men put 11 past England on the final day as hosts China beat Czech Republic
Another tournament, another trophy for the Portuguese, as they lift the CFA Belt and Road International Beach Soccer Championship trophy in Haikou in their first appearance in the competition.
Averaging almost ten goals per game the former world champions saw off a spirited England side on the final day, as the Three Lions came in second.
Madjer claimed the award as the competition’s MVP, while Leo Martins scooped the Top Scorer title, as his personal tally reached nine in just three games.
China’s number one Hanying Nan took home the prize for Best Goalkeeper.
In their last game of the tournament, and chasing a perfect run, Portugal faced England who could claim the top spot with a victory today. Leo Martins’ incredible goal scoring reckon in China continued as he got his side off the mark within the opening minutes and had a brace before the first whistle.
The second period started with England trailing by three goals to one, and Andrade netted not long after the restart to increase the Portuguese advantage to a three-goal cushion.
Aaron Clarke grabbed his second of the game for the Three Lions but Portugal’s super firepower upped their game and the third period started with the scoreline at 8-2.
Celebrating his hundredth appearance for England, James Temple scored his third of the tournament to pull a goal back but three more goals from Be Martins, Jordan Santos and Madjer took the game out of English hands to claim the trophy for Portugal.
In the day’s other game, China were looking for their first win against Czech Republic who had sunk their English opponents from the penalty spot the previous day.
Liu Ys opened the scoring after a matter of minutes to give the hosts an early advantage. Czech Republic were unable to find a response and went into the second period trailing.
Liu struck again midway through the match and then completed his hat-trick at the start of the final period. All too late, Martin Dlouhy’s men sprung into action, and it looked as if they were about to turn around a three-goal deficit when Klima and Pekarek struck late on.
But Ramiro Amarelle’s Chinese side held their nerve with the scoreboard reading 3-2 to see the game out and claim a closing victory.
RESULTS (26/04)
England 4 – 2 China
Czech Republic 4 – 10 Portugal
RESULTS (27/04)
England 4(0) – (1)4 Czech Republic
China 3 – 8 Portugal
RESULTS (28/04)
Portugal 11 – 3 England
China 3 – 2 Czech Republic
FINAL STANDINGS
1st – Portugal
2nd – England
3rd – China
4th – Czech Republic
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
MVP: Madjer (POR)
Top Scorer: Leo Martins (POR)
Best Goalkeeper: Hanying Nan (CHN)
Find all match results and final standings for the CFA Belt and Road International Beach Soccer Cup 2019 on the Beach Soccer Worldwide website.
