The national roller hockey team is back in the final of the World Cup, after beating France in the semifinals, with a 4-0 win with a lot of sweat and concentration. A very different match from the one in which Renato Garrido’s team beat the French 5-1 in their group stage debut, but the truth is that Portugal will be able to defend the title they won in Barcelona two years ago.
A very different France from the one faced by Portugal at the opening of the group stage, with the French arriving at this stage with high morale, after beating Spain, a chronic candidate for the world title, in the quarter-finals, winning penalty (1-0), then a 4-4 in the final. With the three brothers Benedetto, Bruno, Roberto and Carlo, the French enter the game with courage, responding to the Portuguese initiative with an aggressive attack.
Portugal also entered strongly, with Gonçalo Alves, managed with the “tweezers”, after coming off the first match with the French, coming on from the start. The Portuguese tried to impose their game, they got the first shot, but the French responded in kind. The match was then wide open, with Portugal showing respect against a team that was able to score four goals against mighty Spain.
France even came close to scoring, if it weren’t for Ângelo Girão’s attention and reflexes. After two threats from Gonçalo Alves, Portugal ended up taking an unexpected lead, with Gonçalo Alves carrying on the French defense and giving Rafa Costa a gap, from the middle of the road, to fire in Bonneau’s goal. The marker was open and the greater tranquility of the Portuguese in the ring was clearly seen. Now it is France that must risk more and leave room for the transitions of the world champions.
Portugal does not tremble, France collapsed
A short lead, but which Portugal managed intelligently, with great defensive confidence, to then look for the mistakes of the French and double up. Even the French risked little in attack, but they also had opportunities to equalize, with a strong shot from Roberto Di Benedetto.
With time running out, France had to take more risks and Portugal had an excellent opportunity to double their lead, scoring from a direct free kick, but Gonçalo Alves hit the woodwork. The ball didn’t go in then, but went in soon after, with a powerful shot from Hélder Nunes surprising everyone with four minutes remaining.
France ended up collapsing like a pack of cards when, in the effort, they looked for a goal that would allow them to re-enter the discussion of the result. Portugal did not falter and scored two more goals, in quick transitions, with Henrique Magalhães making it 3-0, before Hélder Nunes scored twice in the game. There were still a few seconds left, but Carlo Di Benedetto immediately embraced Henrique Magalhães. The first World Cup finalist has been found.
Portugal will now await the result of the match between hosts Argentina and Italy to find out who they will discuss the 17th title in their history with next Sunday.
