1st Lusofonia Games - Macau 2006



Day 4

FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER

GAME SEVEN: EAST TIMOR 0 vs 76 BRAZIL

Once again East Timor found themselves up against a juggernaut in Brazil and they had a point to prove after Portugal eclipsed their world record score. Brazil knew that goals could make all the difference in the final game and from the outset they went in search of many. By halftime they had scored exactly two (2) goals per minute and looked set to break Portugal’s new record apart. East Timor showed again that they have some good individual skill but had no idea which way to look as the Brazilians pace left them behind. To their credit they kept trying and even came close to scoring on a couple of occasions. Defensively they need a lot of work and even simple corners they struggled to defend.

Brazil look to be the favourites to win against Portugal now but they won’t take them lightly. They were in cruise control for much of this game and showed how effective they can be in attack. The last game tomorrow is going to be a very fast and furious encounter and one that will prove spectacular.



GAME EIGHT: MACAU 0 v 22 PORTUGAL

Portugal knew they had to score in excess of fifty (50) goals to finish above Brazil in the pool standings. To Macau’s credit they adjusted defensively to try and alleviate Portugal’s attack and made it hard for the Portuguese. The first half finished 9-0 but this was not really indicative of Macau’s performance as they showed how much they had improved over the course of the tournament. Portugal were regimental in their attack which showed how effective they can be however at times the Macau defence knew which position to be in to thwart this. Occasionally they lapsed and were caught flat footed and ball watching as the Portuguese snuck in on the back post for some easy tap-ins. Overall however Macau can be proud of their first half performance.

The second half saw Macau tire and goals came easier for Portugal. With less than five (5) minutes to go the Macau coach, Antonio Machada, asked his players for extra effort and employed some pressure in defence. This seemed to rattle the Portuguese somewhat as if they didn’t expect it and Macau gained some valuable possession from turnovers. While they did not capitalise on these opportunities it showed that they could produce some good pressure defence when required. I’m sure the Brazilians will have enjoyed this. The Portuguese coach, Orlando Duarte, became agitated and pulled four (4) of his players together and devised a plan to alleviate this pressure. Once they entered the court the plan went into action and immediately Portugal scored.

All in all both teams showed what they are capable of and Portugal will be looking to secure gold against Brazil in a very exciting match.



Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com