RIO DE JANEIRO – The day began with Mexico extending their surprise run in Rio with a 5-4 win over Spain.
The Iberians had their noses in front for most of the game, but El Tri kept their composure and turned the match on its head in the final 12 minutes, indebted in the main to Miguel
Estrada’s unruffled keeping and Ricardo Villalobos’ opportunism in front of goal.
Although they are heading home earlier than expected, the youthful Spanish have every reason to be optimistic about the future.
The battle royale between Brazil and Portugal did not disappoint, the two big guns serving up a sizzling 17-goal thriller that kept the packed house on the edge of their seats right
through to the closing minutes.
The hosts needed a brilliant Buru hat trick, braces from Andre, Sidney and Daniel and a feline showing from Mao to stave off a Madjer-inspired Portugal side and edge home
10-7.
After an indifferent group phase, Jose Mateus’ team will be feeling a little better about themselves as they return home.
Act three of the day saw France, who at one stage of the tournament were just a penalty kick away from going out, eclipse surprise packages Senegal 6-3.
Teamwork was the key to French success, with Stephane Francois scoring two killer goals and Jean-Marie Aubry defiant between the sticks.
Severely hampered by the absence of striker-in-chief Pape Koukpaki, the Senegalese finally bowed out after a marvellous tournament and will surely be back in the future.
It was left to Uruguay and Nigeria to bring the afternoon’s action to a close, the South Americans drawing on their wealth of know-how to edge home 3-1 in a tight affair.
The Celeste stayed loyal to their principles by defending compactly, keeping errors to a minimum and pouncing on their opponent’s mistakes.
And when the Nigerians did get a sight of goal they found Diego in spellbinding form.
The African challenge may have fizzled out, but like Senegal the Beach Eagles look well capable of becoming tournament regulars.
FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP – QUARTER FINAL RESULTS
Spain vs. Mexico 4-5
Brazil vs. Portgual 10-7
Senegal vs. France 3-6
Nigeria vs. Uruguay 1-3
FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP – SEMI-FINAL DRAW
November 10, 2007
Mexico vs. Uruguay – kick-off 0930hrs
Brazil vs. France – kick-off 1100hrs