Homeless World Cup going back to Egypt after Portugal put up brave fight in men’s final
Egypt and Portugal had a date with destiny under the Oslo thunder clouds on Saturday- whoever won the men’s Homeless World Cup in Oslo today was going to be a first time winner.
Moments into the game, Egypt found themselves 1-0 up after a powerful shot from close range, before Egypt’s keeper produced a fine save to keep Portugal from drawing level.
Soon Egypt doubled their lead. A defensive slip-up from Portugal put Egypt through on goal. A first shot was sent wide but they buried home the rebound. Egypt’s keeper stuck a leg out to save a Portugal chance on the left wing as the European side searched to get themselves on the scoresheet. However, some fine footwork from the Egypt captain gave him space to fire home to put his side 3-0 up. Moments later, Portugal robbed possession and fired a right foot shot home to make it 3-1. Some solid defending by Egypt kept Portugal from getting a second, before Egypt got fourth from a sweet strike into the bottom right corner. As half-time approached, Portugal's keeper produced a fine save with his legs to prevent Egypt from getting a fifth goal of the game.
Moments into the second half, Portugal’s keeper had to be sharp to save smartly from close range off an Egypt attack. Up the other end, Egypt's keeper blocked a shot from the right-wing before producing a stunning diving save from a shot on the left wing. The ball then fell kindly to a Portugal player to slot home from close range to make it 4-2. An Egypt shot flashed wide in the next attack before Portugal missed the chance to make it 4-3 as a shot from distance was blasted over. Portugal’s keeper was then on hand to save a strong Egypt shot. After an Egypt freekick came to nothing, Portugal broke up the field, with Egypt’s keeper producing another smart save from a close-range shot. The ball rebounded kindly into the path of an Egypt player, who pulled a shot wide with only the keeper to beat. Another Portugal attack followed, with a cheeky back-heel attempt thwarted by a fine block from the Egypt keeper before a Portuguese player slotted home from close range to make it 4-3 at the death.
Cue jubilant scenes from Egypt as the referee blew the final whistle. The men’s Homeless World Cup was going to Africa for the first time.
Written By Craig Williams, Photos By Anita Milas & John Anderson