The Selecção das Quinas came from behind to hammer ten goals – five in each half – past the African giants and record an incredulous 10-1 victory on Friday night in their opening game of the 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup hosted by Paraguay.
Super Sand Eagles started on a positive note but were then dominated and completely outclassed as the Europeans race to establish a dominant early lead in a Group D that also has Brazil and Oman.
Veterans Nigeria, quarter-finalists at the World Cup in 2007 and 2011, scored first on the night thanks to a composed finish from Azeez Abu at the very end of the first period. However, once Portugal equalized and took over, there was no stopping them as the two-time African champions crumbled spectacularly.
The Europeans were clinical in attack and solid in defense, going on to score an incredible ten unanswered goals, with five each in the second and third periods.
Nigeria, winners of the African title in 2007 and 2009, face Oman next on November 24 in what is now a must win encounter with Brazil awaiting Nigeria in the group’s final match.
Head Coach Adamu’s side, ranked 21st in the world, will have it all to do against the 14th ranked Oman team who are also hurting following their crushing 8-2 loss to Brazil also on Friday.
