Porto defeats Benfica and wins the Pontinha International Championship – National Football

The Dragons won 2-1 in Sunday's final

The Dragons, who had already won their group and beat Belenenses in the semi-finals 3-0 the day before, once again dominated the decisive match, especially during the first half, a period in which they scored two goals. Goals were scored by Thiago Portugal and Salvador Valiente. In the second half, the Reds tried to respond, but the best they succeeded in was reducing the score in the last match with a goal scored by Gonzalo Tavares. The match was officiated by Fabio Verissimo in place of Joao Pinheiro (who was unable to attend for personal reasons), the honored referee, and he received the corresponding plaque in the name of his colleague at the end.

Belenenses came in third place after defeating Sporting (2-1), in the match for third and fourth places. Elche ranked fifth after defeating Manchester City (4-1), and KAC Pontina came in seventh place after defeating Estoril (4-2) on penalties after the first half ended 1-1.

In terms of individual awards, it is natural for all Porto players to win them: Rodrigo Sica, best player, Portuguese Thiago, the team’s top scorer, Luca Cockato, best goalkeeper, and Jose Miranda, best coach. In the remaining awards, Kak Pontinha received “Best Supporter” and Estoril received “Fair Play”. This ceremony was attended by Fernando Gomez, President of the Portuguese Football Federation and sponsor of the tournament, in addition to representatives of the Lisbon and Oddefelas City Councils, and other official bodies.

Antonio Roque, president of CAC Pontina, the club that organizes the tournament, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, considers this edition “another success,” as there was an opportunity “to watch very competitive matches with a lot of goals,” and there is no doubt that “ “Some of the young people here will become Portuguese football stars.” The tournament was held at the Alto do Lumiar Sports Complex, and for the future, the CAC leader leaves one wish: “I hope that the next editions will be held in our facilities that they promised us for a long time.” “.

Written by Nuno Costa