GOLAZONEWSPortugal to face Spain in World Cup third-place playoff
- Portugal was eliminated from the roller hockey World Cup after a 3-6 loss to France.
- Joao Rodrigues criticized the officiating during the semifinal match.
- The third-place match will feature a contest between Portugal and Spain.
Portugal will face Spain in the third-place playoff of the roller hockey World Cup following a 3-6 defeat to France in the semifinals. The tournament is currently being held in Paraguay, a country without a roller hockey tradition, with only 181 spectators reported in attendance for the semifinal.
National team coach Reinaldo Ventura expressed his disappointment after the loss, specifically criticizing the officiating. He noted that the referees allowed an overly aggressive style of play, citing instances of elbowing that went unpunished.
Forward Joao Rodrigues echoed these sentiments, labeling the officiating as chaotic. He claimed that a series of poor decisions throughout the match contributed to Portugal's elimination from the competition.
In a separate development, Portugal is also scheduled to play Spain in the semifinals of the Finalissima on November 6.