Brazil crash out despite dominating Print
Friday, 29 August 2008 22:10
Brazil had 99% of the posession but they couldn't break through the Portuguese back line to get the all important equaliser and the three-time world champions went crashing out to their Portuguese speaking friends, but bitter rivals Portugal.  Portugal scored the early goal to get in front, which then saw the adoption of a backs to the wall aproach to keep out the samba boys.  Portugal soaked up the pressure for the Brazilians, and played to counter attack, but ended up only being able to clear the ball on most occasions, inviting Brazil to recommence their attack.  Goalkeeper Kleber was instrumental in dictating Brazil's play and it wasn't a lack of chances that kept them out, it was resolute Portuguese defending.  1-0 up with seconds remaining and Brazil were camped in Portugal's territory, looking for the last chance.  It came but a foul by Diogo Santos about 18 metres out left Brazil with 2 seconds remaining and one last shot at goal.  Up stepped Tinho who struck a powerful shot at goal, but it deflected out for a kick in on the left hand side.  Kleber took the kick and Moura turned it into an empty goal!  Brazil had equalised with no time remaining as the buzzer sounded around the hall.  Brazil were jublilant, yet Portugal were protesting and as the referees consulted with the 3rd referee, both teams looking on in suspense... »No goal«, said the Austrian referee.  Portugal celebrated and Brazilian hearts had been broken and tempers flaired as they demanded an explanation.  Was the goal after the buzzer?  No, in fact, Kleber had wrongly taken the kick in, which was in fact Portugal's ball so the goal didn't stand.  After watching amateur video for the replays, it turned out that the correct decision had been made, to the despair of Brazilian players and staff.  Most of the crowd were supporting the Brazilians for their style of play, and many feel they deserved to go through.  But that is what these world championships are about and futsal can be a cruel game, as a few teams have already found out here in Koper.  Portugal will now meet Ukraine for a place in the final.