Portugal (7) v (3) Czech Republic
Portugal (7) v Czech Republic (3)
By Sebastian James
PORTUGAL showed off their silky skills in their opening match of the 2008 Homeless World Cup to defeat Czech Republic 7-3.
The opening half was in the control of the Portuguese with a great series of passes ending in a goal by Arliton Goncalves Da Ceita Vilela.
The Czech Republic team was able to reverse the domination of Portugal and take the lead after five minutes with two quick goals by Jan Jasukevic.
From that moment on though, Portugal were able to find their rhythm and scored two goals from the boot of Vitor Dos Santos Pires, with a stunning strike from within his own half and another from an acute angle that sneaked past the Czech Republic goalkeeper’s left glove.
With the lead back in their hands, Portugal continued to excite the crowd with their sublime skill. Felipe Gil Goncalves was able to pull the Portuguese further ahead after volleying a shot in from the back post.
With only three minutes left, the Czech Republic were able to claw back a goal by Jan Jasukevic and started to look like they were back in the match. But any hope the Czech Republic had of emerging victorious from their first match was put to rest with two quick goals by Portugal. Felipe Gil Goncalves scored with a great volley from the top of the keeper's circle and Vitor Dos Santos Pires finished the game with a well-judged shot to ensure Portugal’s comfortable victory.
Photos: Photoworx