Brazil show style to see off Portugal

Ahmed Rizvi

• Last Updated: November 21. 2009 10:35PM UAE / November 21. 2009 6:35PM GMT

Brazil beat Portugal for the fourth time in five tournaments. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Brazil, chasing their fourth consecutive Beach Soccer World Cup crown, will meet Switzerland in Sunday night’s final.

Meeting Portugal in the semi-finals of the World Cup for the fourth time in five tournaments, Brazil prevailed for the third straight time with a crushing 8-2 win.

Bruno contributed two for the defending champions, and Sidney, Benjamin, Daniel, Betinho, Buru and Daniel Souza all also scored.

Switzerland, making their first appearance at the World Cup, knocked out Uruguay 7-4 to deny a repeat of the 2006 finals. Dejan Stankovic struck four for the winners, while Sandro Spaccarotella, Stephan Leu and Michael Rodrigues scored one each.

The Brazilians, who defeated Switzerland 4-2 in the group stages earlier, will be favourites in the final and their captain, Benjamin, believes it is natural given their pedigree and hard work right through the year.

“We trained really hard to make sure we come here in top shape,” he said. “That is one of the biggest reason for our success and now we go into the final with a lot of confidence, given the manner of our win over Portugal.

“Switzerland are a great side as well, but we are determined to return from Dubai as the world champions.”

Switzerland’s fairytale run to the final has come as a surprise to the Brazilians and veteran Buru has warned against taking the landlocked European nation lightly.

“Switzerland reaching the final is really a big surprise,” said Buru. “But they are really strong side and we will have to stay focused and make sure we keep the errors to the minimum.”

For Brazilian playmaker Andre, however, the top priority will be entertaining the fans; defending their title will be a bonus.

“With all due respect to our opponent,” he said. “We will be going out to give the fans what they deserve, which is quality football and entertainment to make them happy.

“If we can win the title in doing that, I think we will be deserving winners.”

Before the final, Portugal and Uruguay will clash in the play-off for the third place and Portuguese captain Madjer is determined to get that consolation.

“The World Cup is not over yet for us,” he said. “We still have a match to play for the bronze medal, so we remain focused. We want to return home with a medal.”

arizvi@thenational.ae