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The holders claimed an early win and were joined on maximum points by England in Cape Verde.
Sal Beach Soccer Cup champions Portugal got their title defence underway with a win, having come from behind to beat Germany 7-3 on Friday, before England joined them on maximum points with victory against Cape Verde.
Mario Narciso’s new-look side began slowly and found themselves 2-0 down come the end of the first period but showed their quality with a response that saw the holders lead 5-2 going into the final frame. Ricardo and Jordan Santos added gloss to the scoreline in the final 12 minutes as Portugal ended the day top of the table.
Amid a close-fought opening, it was Portugal who boasted the better early chances, only to go in behind after goals from Oliver Romrig and Pascal Muller.
However, Portugal battled back to level with a swift second-period brace from Leo Martins before Bruno Novo completed a wonderful team move with a finish from a narrow angle to put the holders in front for the first time.
With momentum firmly behind Portugal, Leo Martins wrapped up his treble while there was a goal from Pedro Silva. Ricardo joined fellow new recruit Pedro Silva on the scoresheet in the final frame, along with Jordan, leaving Christian Biermann to net a late consolation with just two seconds on the clock.
Hosts Cape Verde fell just short in their opening game of the competition as they fell 3-2 to England in the day’s second game.
Despite the backing of a vocal and enthusiastic home crowd, the home nation were slow out of the blocks and trailed 3-1 come the end of the opening period with Scott Lawson, Cameron O’Rourke and Joe Maxwell on target for England.
Joseano Santos’ goal gave Cape Verde hope before the break while Germano Brito pulled Cape Verde within one in the second frame.
However, England held firm to claim the points and move into second after day one.
Lawson’s strike came four minutes into the clash as England – now under the tutelage of Spanish coach Angel Lopez Torres – began well.
England finished second recently at the Tulip Festival Beach Soccer Tournament in Istanbul and continued that form with O’Rourke doubling the lead prior to Maxwell’s effort late in the half.
Djonas’ free-kick with 30 seconds of the first frame remaining proved the only blot on the landscape for England and Cape Verde bolstered their hopes of getting back into the game when Kandu sent a strike past Taylor Humm from distance.
Ultimately, the comeback fell just short, with England going into Saturday’s clash against Portugal off the back of a hard-fought win.
Friday results
15:00: Portugal 7-3 Germany
16:15: England 3-2 Cape Verde
Saturday fixtures
15:00: Portugal v England
16:15: Cape Verde v Germany
