Portugal have beaten Switzerland 6-5 to clinch beach soccer bronze at the European Games, having almost thrown away a 4-1 lead.

Nuno Belchior put Portugal one up in the first period, before Bruno Torres doubled their advantage less than two minutes into the second period.

Just seconds later, Philipp Borer got one back for Switzerland, but Jordan Santos and Alan Cavalcanti extended Portugal's lead to 4-1.

Sandro Spaccarotella gave Switzerland hope going into the final period, and they soon found themselves level thanks to Moritz Jaeggy and a Borer penalty.

Noel Ott put Switzerland in front for the first time with just over seven minutes left, but Belchior scored two more goals to seal his hat-trick and victory for Portugal.

Italy play Russia in the gold medal match later today.