Osasco wrapped up their second win of this year’s tournament with a comprehensive victory over Otago in the sunshine at Coleraine.
The game opened at a rapid pace, with both teams eager to take an early advantage. The initial exchanges were mainly played in Otago’s half, however, the New Zealanders almost took the lead through Max Johnston who saw his ambitious effort from the edge of the penalty area drift narrowly over the crossbar.
But Osasco finally turned their territory into a scoreline advantage, Mateus William Sabino Silva turned smartly on the edge of the box before firing across the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Otago had the game’s next big chance; following a mix up in defence and a goalmouth scramble, Jack Kelly was presented with a golden opportunity to draw level, but could only volley wide with an open goal at his mercy.
Otago were struggling to deal with the pace at which Osasco were moving the ball. When Otago were able to break it was mainly thanks to Ashley Wealthall who made several strong runs, driving from the centre of the park.
The second half followed the same pattern as the first. The team from Sao Paulo almost doubled their lead when Kevin Kelsey De Souza forced a good save from the goalkeeper. The resulting corner led to the ball pinging around the six yard box and eventually hitting the crossbar.
The Brazilians weren’t to be denied for long though, Iago Teles Da Silva with the strike. Osasco added a third within minutes, this time Fabio Vitor Antonio Azevado Pires rounded the goalkeeper and passed the ball into the empty net.
After having to chase shadows and spend significant time without the ball, Otago were beginning to tire, which created more space for Osasco. The Brazilians added a fourth with a well taken goal from Fabio for his second of the game. Four became five when Mateus Sabino got his second of the match. The 6-0 victory was then sealed with a hat-trick goal from Fabio.
Report by Ben Smith