Courtesy UEFA.com

Prolific Portugal claim their place

Friday, 30 January 2004

Portugal are through to the 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship finals after showing fine form in Group 3 in Andorra.

Andorra victorious

They began the group as they meant to go on in their opener as they overcame Moldova 6-1. The score was 1-1 as half-time neared, but scored before the break and Portugal then eased away. Hosts Andorra were also victorious, beating pre-qualifiers Cyprus 4-2. Veteran Xavier Sola Peralba's goals at the start and end of the second half, with the scores then at 1-0 and 3-2, proved vital.

Portugal three points clear

The goals continued to flow for Portugal when they faced Cyprus, an 8-0 victory the result. Majó's hat-trick either side of the break - in the 19th, 20th and 21st minutes - was the highlight. Andorra, though, were stopped in their tracks as Moldova bounced back with an 11-3 win. Ivan Todorov scored two goals in each half, as Moldova raced to a 7-1 lead at the break and consolidated afterwards.

Decisive triumph

Another 8-0 win took Portugal through, this time against Andorra. Arnaldo scored a hat-trick and Majó's two goals took Portugal's tally for the group to 22. Moldova beat Cyprus 2-1 to take second place ahead of the hosts.