Algarve joy for futsal EURO hosts

UEFA European Futsal Championship hosts Portugal continue to look in good shape ahead of November's finals as they claimed victory at the third annual outdoor Algarve tournament in Monte Gordo.

Progress sealed
The home side were joined by Slovakia and Mozambique in Group A while Croatia, Hungary and Angola made up Group B. Portugal began with a 3-1 defeat of Slovakia, with Vojtech Várady putting the visitors ahead but André Lima equalising and Joel Queirós scoring twice. They then sealed first place as they overcame Mozambique 9-3, Pedro Costa and André Lima claiming two goals each and Joel, José Maria, Miguel Almeida, Israel and Gonçalo Alves adding to the total in reply to a Sacoor Chabo hat-trick. Slovakia beat Mozambique 6-1 to join Portugal in the semi-finals.

Slovakia through
Over in Group B, Hungary opened with a 7-0 defeat of Angola but Croatia then beat their European rivals 3-2 and the African side 7-2 to finish top, though they fell 5-4 to Slovakia in the semi-finals. Portugal set up a rematch with their opening opponents thanks to a 5-1 win against Hungary, André Lima putting the hosts ahead, Arnaldo Pereira scoring either side of a Peter Németh goal, Israel increasing the lead before the break and André Lima sealing the victory with his fifth goal of the tournament.

Portugal success
A crowd of 2,500 gathered for the final, and within eight minutes Gonçalo Alves, André Lima and Israel had put Portugal in control. Pedro Costa increased the lead and although Ladislav Mikita pulled one back for Slovakia before the break, player of the tournament Arnaldo and Gonçalo clinched a 6-1 victory. That ensured Portugal continued their monopoly of the competition and stretched their winning run to 13 games, while they are unbeaten in 23 matches. Hungary took bronze with a 9-3 defeat of Croatia following six unanswered first-half goals and Mozambique pipped Angola for fifth place 6-5 after extra time. Portugal begin the EURO finals against Italy on 16 November; Slovakia, Hungary and Croatia return to competitive action in next year's FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers.