Portugal returned to the international stage after missing out on the last two championships in Kosice and Laval. Perhaps this is why the Portuguese were so keen to get the tournament off to a flying start, as the ball bobbled behind France goalkeeper Jiri Blazek for the first time after just 19 seconds. Nick Senra made it 2:0 before the end of the first period.
The French, led by their Swiss coach Eric Golay, were then able to open up the game. However, they were unable to score the all-important equaliser and when Mathew Araujo made it 3:0 in the closing stages, the game between the two favourites was decided.
