The Solomon Islands beach soccer dream was effectively ended yesterday when they were overwhelmed 13-4 by Portugal in their second match of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Marseille.

James Naka scored a late hat trick for the Bilikiki boys but it was not enough to come back from a five goal deficit against a classy Portugal side.

The Solomon Islands now sit on the bottom of Group B – equal with El Salvador – and they will be desperate to finish the tournament on a high when the two sides meet in their final game on Monday (local time).

It was the joint-highest-scoring match in FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup history and Portugal found the back of the net early on through Madja, Alan and Belchior who scored five, four and three times respectively to propel the Europeans to victory.

Portugal led 5-0 at the first break, but Solomon Islands, to their credit, refused to give up the fight and managed two goals of their own in the second, both courtesy of James Naka.

The lively No10 completed his hat-trick in the third period, and Franco Nee also got on the score-sheet, but Henry Koto's side could not contain their opponents.
With six points, and a hugely-favourable goal difference, Portugal are now all but sure of a place in the last eight.

Solomon Island goalscorer James Naka said that his side still had all to play for in their last match against El Salvador.

"It was a tough game for us, it was really hot. Portugal are a really good team. Maybe I scored my last goal of the tournament today but we will do our best to win our last game," Naka said.
In the groups other match Italy overcame El Salvador 4-1.

Solomon Islands v El Salvador
Monday July 21, 2008
Stade du Prado, Marseille
16.15 (Local French Time) 01.15 (Local Solomon Time)

OFC

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