Portugal v Liberia
Portugal (0pens) v (1pen) Liberia
Liberia fought the African cause in this gripping quarter-final for the Homeless World Cup, beating their Iberian opponents in a nail-biting penalty shootout which ensured one country from the continent made it into the semis later today. Nigeria, Cameroon and Kenya had all earlier fallen to European sides and the Liberians soon found the crowd cheering their cause.
They didn't have it all their own way though. The Portuguese are are technically brilliant side full of fast-paced frenetic action and all their games have been a pleasure to watch. That said the Liberian side quickly moved into a 2-0 lead, their star player Sawie Peewee scoring one and setting up the other for the side's hugely talented female striker. They are a small team who are forced to play without subs and so it's more vital than ever to boast a sound goalkeeper who made a fantastic double save before Portugal eventually replied.A scrappy start to the second half soon gave way to an explosive close as the Portugal No.8 blasted home and then the springy No.3 let fly with a delicious flying volley. The prospects weren't good for a Liberian side starting to tire in the sun and it looked like disaster when their striker was given a Blue Card and sent from the pitch for the rest of the game. but from somewhere they found the energy to force a last attack and forced the ball home.
The ensuing penalty shootout was fraught. Four missed penalties and plenty of oohs and aahs in the crowd set up Sawie to seal it. He duly did - and ran straight to his sin-binned striker team mate for a joyous celebration.
Joel Dimmock