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Gilberto Costa’s side clinched a 14th Mundialito title in Cascais on Sunday.
Brazil lifted their 14th BSWW Mundialito title on Sunday in Cascais as they beat hosts Portugal 6-4 in a thrilling contest.
In a battle between the tournament’s two most successful nations, it was the holders who prevailed as they held off a spirited Portugal side with the help of goals from the competition’s joint top scorers Rodrigo and Mauricinho.
Portugal – who succumbed to Brazil in last year’s final and at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup – will now look to regroup ahead of their return to the Euro Beach Soccer League in Siofok next month.
Brazil made a blistering start on Carcavelos Beach – the frantic pace of the contest helping create a spectacular atmosphere – as Bruno Xavier, Datinha and Rodrigo put the holders into a commanding position. Leo Martins pulled one back for Portugal just prior to the break only for Datinha to respond after the interval.
The in-form Leo Martins was on target again midway through the second period before Rui Coimbra stoked hopes of a fightback soon after as Portugal moved within a goal of parity.
Mauricinho extended the advantage once more before the final frame while Ricardinho’s strike made life very interesting up until Rodrigo capped the scoring and ultimately ensured the title with a calm close-range finish with just over a minute to play.
Brazil – pushed all the way by the runners-up – extend their unbeaten run that stretches back over 18 months while Portugal look ahead to their European campaign.
Russia signed off their BSWW Mundialito campaign with a 5-2 win against France as the debutants finished third on their maiden outing in Cascais.
In a match that was to be the final game of France captain Yannick Fischer’s career, Russia spoiled the party as goals from the Kryshanov brothers helped ensure Mikhail Likhachev’s men salvaged something from their trip to Portugal.
France – who will now search for a new skipper – finish bottom of the pile despite putting on some relatively impressive displays over the weekend.
First blood went to Russia as Nikolai Kryshanov connected with Maksim Rogovskii’s throw to put his side in front in acrobatic fashion.
However, Fischer ensured himself a farewell goal when he managed to connect from close range and angle home an equaliser to send the sides in level at the interval.
Viktor Kryshanov then went close when he hit the post before the break but Artur Paporotnyi restored Russia’s lead early in the second frame.
The Russian forward was at it again when he produced a powerful finish to beat Lorenzo Dupin and set Russia on their way to victory.
While things remained tight early in the final frame, Anton Shkarin made life more comfortable when he struck three minutes from time and, although Anthony Barbotti pulled a second back for France, Viktor Kryshanov completed the scoring inside the final minute.
Sunday results
14:30 – Russia 5-2 France
16:00 – Portugal 4-6 Brazil
Standings
1st: Brazil
2nd: Portugal
3rd: Russia
4th: France
Individual Awards
MVP: Rodrigo Soares da Costa (BRA)
Top Scorers: Rodrigo Soares da Costa (BRA) and Mauricinho (BRA) (Five goals each)
Best Goalkeeper: Mao (BRA)
