France beat Portugal to win Beach Cup (Agencies) Updated: 2005-05-16 09:50
France won the Beach Soccer World Cup on Sunday, beating Portugal 1-0 on
penalties. Thierry Ottavy scored the only goal in the shootout.
 France's beach soccer player Mendy, left,
scores a goal against Portugal's goalkeeper Bruno during the first FIFA
Beach Soccer World Cup on Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on
Sunday, May 15, 2005. [AP] |
Portugal rallied to tie the game at 3 at the end of regulation on two goals
by Nuno Belchior in the final 2 minutes. Anthony Mendy netted all three goals
for France.
No team scored in overtime, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
France, coached by former Manchester United great Eric Cantona, won all five
of its matches in the competition, outscoring its opponents 27-11. The
39-year-old Cantona, who also played at times, scored once in the quarterfinals.
France entered the final as the underdog after Portugal eliminated favorite
Brazil on penalties in the semifinals on Saturday.
Brazil, winner of 10 of the 12 titles, finished third by routing Japan 11-2
behind three goals by veteran striker Romario.
Portugal's Madjer, the tournament's leading scorer with 12 goals, won the MVP
award.
FIFA oversaw the tournament this year for the first time. The organization
has endorsed the sport since 1994, but Beach Soccer Worldwide had previously
staged the event.
|
 | | China beat Indonesia 3-0; win Sudirman Cup | | |  | | China crowned at Sudirman Cup | | |  | | China set up showdown with Indonesia in Sudirman Final | | |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Today's
Top News |
|
|
|
Top Sports
News |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|