The national roller hockey team returned to the World Cup final after beating France in the semi-finals 4-0, won with a lot of sweat and focus. The game is very different from the one in which the team of Renato Garrido, who just started the group stage, defeated the French 5-1, but the truth is that Portugal will be able to defend the title won two years ago in Barcelona.
Game by the minute
France, very different from what Portugal faced at the beginning of the group stage, where the French team reached this stage with high morale after beating Spain, a chronic candidate for the world title, in the quarter-finals, winning in a penalty shoot-out (1:0) , then draw 4:4 at the end of the game. With the three brothers Benedetto, Bruno, Roberto and Carlo, the French at first boldly entered the game, responding to the Portuguese initiative with an aggressive attack.
Portugal even came out stronger, with Goncalo Alves handling the pincers after being eliminated from the first game against the French in the early game. The Portuguese tried to impose their game, received the first blow, but the French responded in kind. Thus, the game was open and Portugal showed respect to the team that managed to score four goals against the mighty Spain.
France even came close to scoring a goal were it not for the attention and reaction of Angelo Giraud. After two threats to Gonçalo Alves, Portugal unexpectedly took the lead: Gonçalo Alves dragged the French defense behind him and left Rafa Costa an opportunity from the middle of the street to hit the Bonno goal. The marker was open, and it was clear to see the greater calmness of the Portuguese in the ring. Now it was France who had to take the bigger risk and leave room for world champion transfers.
Portugal does not tremble, France went under water
A slight advantage, but Portugal managed intelligently, with excellent defensive security, and then looked for mistakes from the French side to reach the second goal. The French also took little risk in attack, but even had opportunities to level the score, especially a strong blow from Roberto Di Benedetto.
Time was running out and France had to take more risks and Portugal had a sovereign opportunity to double the lead by scoring a free kick, but Goncalo Alves hit the iron. The ball missed at this moment, but soon did hit the goal when a powerful shot from Hélder Nuñez surprised everyone with four minutes left.
France eventually collapsed like a deck of cards as they searched in suspense for a target that would allow them to revisit the outcome. Portugal didn’t flinch and scored two more goals with quick passes and Enrique Magalhães made it 3-0 before Hélder Nuñez scored twice in the game. There were still a few seconds left before the end, but Carlo Di Benedetto immediately hugged Enrique Magalhaes. Found the first finalist of the World Cup.
Portugal will now be waiting for the results of the match between hosts Argentina and Italy to see who they will discuss the 17th title in their history with next Sunday.
