Futsal WC Portugal vs Cuba [R]

Portugal gets a big win agains Cuba 5-0 to advance to the second group stage:



http://www.fifa.com/en/news/feature/0,1451,104332,00.html?comp=Futsal&year=2004&articleid=104332

Portugal 5-0 Cuba: Duarte's men prepare for bigger tests


The Portuguese captain Andre scores from the 10m mark to give his side a 5-0 lead.
(FIFA.com) 26 Nov 2004

In a low-key end to what had been an exciting Group in the FIFA Futsal World Championship Chinese Taipei 2004, Portugal progressed to the second group stage with a 5-0 win.

Argentina and Portugal last to qualify
In this feature
Brazil 4-1 Czech Republic: Ferreti's men shade classic encounter
Argentina 6-1 Iran: Scoreline flatters subdued Albicelestes
Thailand 3-2 Australia: Historic win for Thais

"We knew we just needed to win this game to go through to the next round, so I'm satisfied. Cuba have improved as the tournament has gone on and played their best match against us," said Portugal coach Orlando Duarte.

Portugal opened with the elegant Spanish-based Joel Queiros controlling the play with the impressive Ivan and keeper Joao Benedito looking to extend their defensive record of just one goal conceded in two games.

Cuba coach Clemente Reinoso went for experience to start with, selecting a trio of veterans of three World Championships in their starting five - Pillin Guerra, Boris Saname and skipper Papi Portal.

Portugal in complete control
The Europeans began the match in complete control. Wilfredo Carbo, Cuba's superlative keeper was thoroughly tested early on, but could do nothing about two almost identical goals inside ten minutes. First Luis Silva crossed for Joel to slide in, then Goncalo repeated the dose providing a tap-in for Ivan.

Cuba were not without chances, a cleverly disguised pass by Amauri Morales sent Fernando Chapman down the right to test the sharp reflexes of Benedito. But Portugal continued to warm the hands of Carbo and force Cuba into conceding free-kicks. The fifth foul came up with five minutes to go which made the Central Americans defending job harder. The gave away just one 10m free-kick though - Joel blasting over.

In the second period, the tall figure of Majo took the initiative for Portugal and created chance after chance for Orlando Duarte's men. Carbo kept them at bay but was powerless when a mistake by Morales let in Goncalo. The Cuban keeper beat away his shot but the ball fell to Majo who netted the rebound.

Portugal's fourth goal was their best, a delightful one-two between Joel and Zezito left the former with a tap-in at the far post. The tricky Israel was introduced and he was brought down for two ten 10m kicks, one of which was converted by skipper Andre....

 

We had a really tough group with Argentina and Iran, so this is a really good result.