Defending champion Brazil to face Italy in final of Beach Soccer World Cup

Andre scored three goals and Brazil rallied to beat Portugal 5-4 on Saturday to reach the final of the Beach Soccer World Cup.

Italy also advanced to Sunday's final, beating Spain 1-0 in a penalty shootout after the teams were tied 4-4 following extra time.

"It was a very difficult game," Brazil goalkeeper Mao said. "Portugal played very well. ... It was a collective victory today, and we're very happy."

Andre put the defending champion ahead in the 11th minute but Madjer equalized in the 13th. Portugal then took the lead three times only to see Brazil equalize each time, before Bruno scored the winner with a long-range shot in the 35th.

Portugal got goals from Belchior in the 17th, Torres in the 24th, and Alan in the 26th. Benjamin made it 2-2 for Brazil in the 17th, with Andre scoring his two equalizers in the 25th and 29th.

"We came close to winning," said. "But Brazil are a great side and they showed that."

Massimiliano Esposito converted the winning penalty kick for Italy in the shootout after Spain's Amarelle missed the target.

"This qualification was down to years of sacrifice," Italy coach Giancarlo Magrini said. "Today my players played an extraordinary game, although from a technical point of view Spain were the better team."

Roberto Pasquali scored twice for Italy _ including the final equalizer in the 35th to force extra time _ with Esposito and Feudi adding a goal each in regulation. Amarelle had two goals for Spain, with Javi Alvarez and Javier Torres scoring in between.

"Brazil are on another planet but if we play as we know we can, we can become world champions," Magrini said.