Portugal and Brazil secure opening day victories

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The opening day of the El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup saw a thrilling mix of tight contests and high-scoring encounters. In the women’s games, Portugal narrowly edged Brazil, while Mexico overcame El Salvador on penalties after a draw. The men’s matches delivered plenty of action, with Brazil outscoring Colombia in a fourteen-goal thriller, and Denmark claiming a hard-fought victory over the hosts.

Women
Portugal edge Brazil in historic opener
Portugal win 1-0 against Brazil
The opening two periods saw a tightly contested battle, with both Portugal and Brazil unable to find the breakthrough. Despite several promising moments, the sides remained deadlocked at 0–0 heading into the final period.

Portugal finally broke the deadlock late in the third period, as Ema Toscani netted the decisive goal. Her strike not only secured the lead but also marked the first goal of the El Salvador 2026 tournament in what was the first-ever meeting between the two sides in women’s beach soccer.

Brazil pushed for a late response, but Portugal held firm to see out a narrow 1–0 victory, claiming the opening match win in El Salvador.

Mexico defeated El Salvador on penalties
Mexico win El Salvador 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw
El Salvador made a flying start as Fatima Perez fired the hosts into a 1–0 lead just two minutes into the opening period. Mexico responded through Leilani Cruz, who levelled the contest before adding her second to give her side a narrow 2–1 advantage heading into the first break.

The hosts came out strongly in the second period, and their pressure paid off immediately after the restart. Calderon produced a superb strike into the top corner to bring El Salvador back on level terms at 2–2, setting up a finely poised contest.

No goals were recorded in the third period or extra time as both sides searched for a winner. The match was ultimately decided on penalties, where Mexico held their nerve to secure a 3–1 shootout victory.

Men
Brazil defeat Colombia in South American showdown
Brazil win 9-5 against Colombia
Brazil made a dominant start to the contest, racing into an early lead through Catarino’s free-kick just three minutes in. Thanger quickly doubled the advantage before Maurichinho added a third from another set-piece. Filipe da Silva extended the lead to 4–0 from a well-worked corner, although Julio Pantoja pulled one back for Colombia to end the first period 4–1.

Colombia came out strongly in the second period, with Esleider De Ávila reducing the deficit early on. However, Brazil responded in style as Maurichinho set up Rodrigo for a fine finish and his second to stretch their lead to 6–2 heading into the final break.

The third period delivered a flurry of goals, as De Ávila struck again from the spot and Pantoja continued Colombia’s fightback, eventually completing a hat-trick with a stunning late effort. Brazil, however, remained in control with goals from Thanger, Catarino, and even goalkeeper Bobo from long range, sealing an emphatic 9–5 victory for the Brazilians.

Denmark edge El Salvador in close encounter
Denmark win 3-2 against El Salvador
El Salvador made a strong start in front of their home fans, taking the lead in the first period through Cerna to go 1–0 ahead. Denmark pushed for a response but had to wait until the second period, where Madsen struck late to bring the game level at 1–1 heading into the final period.

The third period proved decisive as Damm stepped up for Denmark, scoring twice to turn the game in their favour. His brace gave Denmark control, despite El Salvador continuing to press for an equaliser.

Perdomo managed to pull one back for the hosts to keep the contest alive, but Denmark held firm in the closing stages to secure a narrow 3–2 victory.

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Results
Women
Portugal 1-0 Brazil
Mexico (3) 2-2 (1) El Salvador

Men
Brazil 9-5 Colombia
Denmark 3-2 El Salvador

Fixtures – 3/04/2026
Women
Portugal vs Mexico
El Salvador vs Brazil

Men
Brazil vs Denmark
El Salvadoe vs Colombia

To find out more about the El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup 2026, check out beachsoccer.com.