Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Espinho: Japan produced a stirring late rally before suffering a narrow 4-2 defeat to hosts Portugal in their opening 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Group A fixture on Thursday.
With an expectant home crowd cheering them on, Portugal went ahead in the fourth minute courtesy of the prolific Madjer’s strike – his 80th in 34 Beach Soccer World Cup appearances.
Be Martins duly doubled Portugal’s lead on 18 minutes, before captain Madjer added to his tally with his second and his side’s third shortly after.
Bloodied yet unbowed, two-time Asian champions Japan, who are competing at the global extravaganza for an eighth time, hit back to reduce the deficit when World Cup debutant Shotaro Haraguchi netted for Marcelo Mendes’ side towards the end of the second period.
Despite Portugal enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Japan struck again in the 32nd minute through Naoya Matsuo to raise hopes of what had seemed an unlikely comeback.
It was not to be for Japan however, as Portugal’s Alan scored late on to assure the Europeans of a crucial win that helped them go to the top of Group A ahead of Argentina who beat Senegal 4-3 in the group's other game.
Japan are now set to face Argentina on Saturday.
Photo: FIFA / Getty Images