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MY BEACH SOCCER 
The unstoppable hosts beat Japan for fifth title as Hungary upset USA for first points and third place in Espinho
The 8-2 win for Portugal over Japan was another great display of beach soccer and gave the hosts the crown that they so coveted. The Portuguese opened up an early three goal lead, and then ended the match just as strong to finish off the Nippon. Japan fought throughout and were always on the verge of making the game even closer but were unable to jump on the opportunities. Portugal played a nearly flawless tournament and this last win gave them their fifth Mundialito title overall and first one since 2012. Japan played three very good matches and leave Espinho with their heads held high.
Portugal started on the defensive, though their star keeper, Hidalgo, kept the game scoreless. The Portuguese offense could not be stopped for long, and they scored two quick goals to take the early 2-0 lead over the Japanese. Portugal added another goal late in the period, on a direct kick, giving the European squad a 3-0 lead going into the first break. Japan began the middle frame by making the Portuguese work for everything. The Asian side took some brilliant shots on goal but Portugal made all necessary stops and maintained their three goal lead, until Japanese star Ozu, boomed a shot in to make the score 3-1 for Portugal. On the re-start, Portugal responded with one of their many stars, Madjer, rocketing a shot home to restore the three goal Portuguese advantage., and the second goal of the day for Jose Maria added to their lead, making it 6-1. Japan narrowed the gap again with another goal from Ozu, making the score 6-2 late in the second period, but Portugal would tack on another late goal of their own, putting the score at 7-2 heading into the final period.
The final frame was even more heated than the first two periods, though the score did not reflect that early on. The defenses, after conceding a plethora of goals in the middle frame, did not allow a goal early in the closing period. The battling continued despite the fact that it seemed as though there was very little doubt in a Portuguese win, but like happens in all beach soccer matches, excitement continued from one end to the other and in an instant things looked like Japan would get back into the match, and then on cue, Portugal would crash the Japanese net, but the goals still did not immediately come. The Portugal squad did connect on a great strike with just over a minute left to put them up by six goals at 8-2, which is how the match would end, confirming that the Mundialito Cup would fly to the hosts’ hands.
Goals: 1-0: Jordan, min. 9 (1); 2-0: Belchior, min. 8 (1); 3-0: Belchior, min. 4 (1); 3-1: Ozu, min. 9 (3); 4-1: Madjer, min. 9 (3); 5-1: Jose Maria, min. 6 (2); 6-1: Jose Maria, min. 5 (2); 6-2: Ozu, min. 2 (2); 7-2: Jose Maria, min. 2 (2); 8-2: Alan, min. 1 (3).
Hungary holds off comeback, finishes 3rd with win
The 5-2 victory for Hungary over the USA was intense on both ends of the pitch, as strikes flew, goalies dived, and goals were in abundance. The Hungarians began quickly and the Americans responded late but could not complete the big four goal deficit. The experience for Hungary showed in the final period as they scored to hold off the rally. The win was the first for Hungary and they earned 3rd place in the Mundialito. The Americans barely lost in overtime on the opening day and then they did not show up in the 14-1 loss on day two, but their final match was a great display of their heart and fortitude. The Americans, winners of the Mundialito in 1998, finished this year in fourth place.
The United States opened the match on the attack and missed a golden opportunity early which led to renewed energy from the Hungarians who capitalized on their first real chance to take the 1-0 lead. The defenses took control of the match and prevented either side from scoring again and the score remained 1-0 going into the first break, advantage Hungary. The European side began playing with tremendous confidence and scored in the first minute of the middle frame to give themselves a two goal lead. The Americans were using great distribution and were putting pressure on the Hungarian defense but their shots were continually stopped. Hungary did not slow their attack and added another goal midway through the period to put themselves in almost complete control. The score did not change when the final break arrived, with Hungary up 3-0.
Hungary was just as determined to keep the Stars and Stripes off of the score sheet as the Americans were to erase the goose egg. The Hungarians put extra pressure on the USA with a quick final period goal, but less than a minute later the Red, White, and Blue scored their first of the match. Confidence was abounding from the Americans and they added another goal to pull themselves to within 4-2, just over halfway through the last period. The final minutes were tense for both squads as the Americans were looking for another two goals and the Hungarians were doing all they could to prevent that. Hungary sealed their victory with a late goal to finish the match up 5-2.
Goals: 0-1: Sebestyen, min. 8 (1); 0-2: Jaksa, min. 11 (2); 0-3: Ughy, min. 6 (2); 0-4: Fekete, min. 10 (3); 1-4: Canale, min. 9 (3); 2-4: Cummings, min. 7 (3); 2-5: Besenyei, min. 1 (3).
BSWW MUNDIALITO FUTEBOL DE PRAIA 2014
Match results:
Friday, July 25th
Japan 5-4 (aet) USA
Hungary 0-5 Portugal
Saturday, July 26th
13:05 – Japan 5-1 Hungary
14:20 – Portugal 14-1 USA
Sunday, July 27th 2014
13:05 – USA 2-5 Hungary
14:20 – Portugal 8-2 Japan
Final standings:
Champions: Portugal
Runner-up: Japan
3rd place: Hungary
Individual awards:
MVP: Jordan (POR)
Top scorer: Belchior (POR)
Best goalkeeper: Hidalgo (POR)
