Portugal salvage some pride

By Paul Saffer

Portugal came from behind three times to end their UEFA European Futsal Championship campaign on a high with a dramatic win against Hungary.

Exciting encounter
Both teams were already out after defeats by holders Italy and world champions Spain, but produced a passionate encounter, Hungary only denied points in their first campaign in these finals, and third place in Group B, by three late Portugal goals.

Early saves
After a quiet first ten minutes, Szabolcs Tóth hit the post as Hungary launched a rare attack, but immediately afterwards Zoltán Balázs stopped a Gonçalo shot and Marcelinho put the rebound over. André Lima and Ivan could also find no way past Balázs.

Hungary ahead
But suddenly Hungary were ahead. Tamás Lódi broke down the left, rounded João Benedito, and shot in from an acute angle to stun the Portuguese - who had controlled play for virtually the whole of the first half, having 18 shots on goal to Hungary's two, but went in at the break behind.

Scores level
After the break, Balázs, who must surely be attracting the attention of Spanish and Italian clubs, was still starring, diving to tip an Ivan effort wide. But finally he was beaten five minutes into the half, Zézito combining well in a one-two with Gonçalo, the latter striding through the Hungarian defence and producing a shot too forceful even for Balázs.

Quickfire goals
Barely a minute later, though, Hungary were back ahead. Zsolt Gyurcsányi had only just missed an open goal set up by Lódi when he did well to tee up his team-mate for his second of the game. This lead did not last long - in their next attack Portugal levelled again through Gonçalo.

Thrilling spell
Now the game was really opening up, Tóth having a goal disallowed and Portugal striding up the other end only for Balázs to brilliantly deny Gonçalo his hat-trick. Portugal won a free-kick, but Gonçalo hit the post after the ball was laid off by Marcelinho.

Woodwork struck
It was Marcelinho's turn to hit the post next, as an incredible spell of play continued. Hungary were now matching their opponents stride for stride, though Balázs was still the busier of the goalkeepers, pulling off a great double save after Ivan masterminded an attack.

Late drama
There were still six minutes left when Portugal began to withdraw their goalkeeper as they searched for the win, and they were made to pay as Tóth shot in from inside the Hungarian half. However, their hopes of victory soon faded as the experienced André Lima levelled three minutes from time and as Portugal poured forward, Joel Queirós was rewarded for a fine performance as he tapped in after a goalmouth scramble.

Hat-trick complete
In the final seconds, Gonçalo completed his hat-trick on the break to take his finals tally to four, but the scoreline was harsh on Balázs and his team-mates who can all take pride in this performance.

Starting lineup
Portugal: João Benedito, Ivan, André Lima, Gonçalo and José Maria.
Hungary: Zoltán Balázs, Szabolcs Tóth, Tamás Szimcsák, Pál Baranyai and János Madarász.