The Solomon Islands have been knocked out of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai after going down 1-6 to a classy Portuguese side in their final Group A match yesterday.

With everything to play for, both sides were ready to do battle on the beach, each having suffered disappointing group-stage losses the previous day. Within just seconds, magic Madjer had put Portugal ahead. The Solomon Islands nearly got a goal of their own on the ensuing kick-off, but the tone was set and few bright spots followed for the Bilikiki.

Soon thereafter, Belchior crushed a bullet just wide of the post, as goalkeeper and captain Fred Hale seemed continuously involved in the action. Finally, another got through and the shots kept coming, one glancing off the post, another batted away by Hale. The Solomon Islands seemed ready and willing to get back in the game, but it was beginning to look as if it would be a very long afternoon for them.

There was a bright spot for the Solomon Islands when Gibson Hosea slipped a clinical shot from distance just inside the post. But Portugal eventually extended their lead to five. After a rocky start, Portugal have qualified for the quarter-finals of Dubai 2009, while the Bilikiki Boys bid a fond farewell to Jumeirah Beach.

The Solomon Islands can go home with their heads held high after picking up three points in what was an extremely tough group. The team's 7-6 victory over South American powerhouse Uruguay - a team ranked 4th in the world - was a proud day for the Oceania representative.

Henry Koto and his side will now look ahead to the future and work hard to qualify for their fifth consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

OFC

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