Hockey: Portugal thrashes Switzerland in its debut at the Montreux Tournament

The national roller hockey team debuted, on Thursday night, in the Tournament of Nations with a thrashing of Switzerland (8-0). In Montreux, in Swiss territory, Paulo Freitas bet on Xano Edo, Rafa Costa, Xavi Cardoso, João Souto and Gonçalo Pinto at first.

In a first half devoid of emotion, the opening goal came from the inevitable Gonçalo Alves, with 3:42 minutes left before the break. The winger could have scored twice two minutes later, but from the direct free-kick he was unable to beat Jean-Pierre Vizio.

In any case, the 2-0 came from Xavi Cardoso’s stick, with 32 seconds left before the break.

In the second half, Gonçalo Alves, João Rodrigues and Nuno Santos extended the Portuguese advantage in the first ten minutes. Facing an opponent devoid of solutions, Gonçalo Alves completed the hat trick, with a penalty.

The victory was sealed by João Rodrigues’ double and Hélder Nunes’ goal.

At the end of the first round, Portugal shares the leadership of Group B with Spain, who this Thursday triumphed over France (2-1). Meanwhile, in Group A, Italy defeated the hosts Montreux (1-8). This group includes Argentina and Angola.

Portugal measures forces with France on Thursday night (8pm). At the same time, on Friday, the national team faces Spain. The “semi-finals” and the final of the race will take place this Saturday and Sunday.