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.
Scores– Portugal 4-6 Brazil : 0-1: Bruno Xavier, min. 4 (1); 0-2: Datinha, min. 3 (1); 0-3: Rodrigo, min. 3 (1); 1-3: Leo Martins, min. 0 (1); 1-4: Datinha, min. 10 (2); 2-4: Leo Martins, min. 6 (2); 3-4: Coimbra, min. 5 (2); 3-5: Mauricinho, min. 3 (2); 4-5: Ricardinho, min. 10 (3); 4-6: Rodrigo, min. 1 (3)