Portugal v Zimbabwe
Portugal (12) v Zimbabwe (2)
After yesterday's excellent win Portugal must have fancied themselves for victory going into today's game, but they couldn't have anticipated just how passionate Zimbabwe were to prove. Portugal's quick passing put them 3-0 up very quickly, with the Africans chasing the speedy Portuguese around in desperation. Portugal put 4 away with classy play before Zimbabwe were rewarded for their steely determination, with a goal from number 13. Portugal went 5-1 up but this is how it stayed for around 2 minutes up until half time, with the Zimbabweans slipping and putting themselves on the line to try and stop the Portuguese from dominating.
At half time it was clear that Portugal possessed more skill and passing class but Zimbabwe had won the crowd, showing determination and heart to make their country proud. 5-1 at half time.
Portugal started the second half by scoring once again, however they were denied several times by the quick reflexes on the cat-like Zimbabwean keeper. Portugal's excellent organization provided another goal to make it 7-1, and soon after the referee was caught between two spirited opposing players and was helped up by the players. Zimbabwe were unlucky not to score and were repeatedly denied by the impressive Portuguese goalkeeper. Zimbabwe scored their second of the match to make it 8-2 through number 4 and were awarded a penalty soon afterwards which number 4 claimed and narrowly missed. Portugal impressed more and more and their number 5 made it 12-2 before the final whistle with a cheeky cross legged effort that sailed past the Zimbabwean goalie.
The Portuguese number 5 stood out as an outstanding player with 5 goals, but Portugal's success was down to their well-drilled side. Although Zimbabwe lost, they fought well and have surely won a lot of supporters here at the Homeless World Cup.
Matthew Simpson