The Solomon Islands can hold their heads high despite going down 7-0 to Portugal in their second Group C match at the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Lithuania on Friday morning New Zealand Time.

The Kurukuru made a strong start to the match and despite conceding on four minutes, they enjoyed a number of scoring chances in the opening exchanges and were unlucky not to draw even.

A long-range bullet from Samuel Osifelo was tipped around the post by Portugal keeper Victor Hugo, before Kurukuru skipper Elliot Ragomo’s powerful corner came within inches of resulting in a Portugal own goal, but instead pinged off the crossbar.

Ricardinho, the five-time Best Player in the World award winner, made no mistake when presented with a chance on 12 minutes, while a booming strike from Andre gave Portugal a 3-0 lead at the break.

Further goals from Andre, an unlucky deflected own goal, and clean finishes from Erick and Pany concluded the scoring.

In the wake of defeat the Kurukuru showed admirable character and sportsmanship, each lining up for a photo with their superstar opponent Ricardinho.

The Solomon Islands face Thailand in their final Group C match on Monday morning New Zealand Time.

Solomon Islands: 0

Portugal: 7 (FABIO CECILIO 4’, RICARDINHO 12’, ANDRE 20’, ANDRE 23’, Marlin SIA (OG) 26’, ERICK 31’, PANY 38’)

Halftime: 3-0