Guatemala advance to ‘Plate’ semifinals at 2003 KL World 5’s in Malaysia

Guatemala advance to ‘Plate’ semifinals at 2003 KL World 5’s in Malaysia 05.06.03 - Guatemala’s Futsal team earned a berth the “Plate” semifinals at the 2003 KL World 5’s in Bukit Jalil Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this evening with a 5:2 victory over the host in the Group C finale at the Putra Indoor Stadium.

Led by Spanish technical director Jose Venancio Lopez, the Guatemala had rebounded from a 4:2 loss yesterday (4 June) to Uruguay to top Malaysia and finish second in group play.

The chapines jumped out to a 4:0 halftime lead, thanks to tallies by midfielder Estuardo Juárez, defenders Edy Pineda, Marlon Noj and forward Walter Granados.

Malaysia sparked a comeback in the second half scoring twice in a span of four minutes as Zainondin Bin Kasmidim (27’) and Addie Azwan Bin Zainal (31’) cut the deficit to 4:2.

Guatemala put the game away with their fifth goal with three minutes remaining as goalkeeper Luis Molina managed to squeeze his shot past the Malaysian netminder Mohammed Faris.

The KL World 5’s, which replaced the Singapore Tiger 5’s, is recognized as one of the top international futsal competitions in the world and the 2003 tournament format has three finals (Cup, Plate and Bowl).

The loss relegated Malaysia to the consolation semifinal bracket called “Bowl,” for the four third-place group finishers, as they will meet South Africa on 7 June at 13:00, while Indonesia and England square off in the other semifinal the day before (6 June) at 17:00.

The chapines will meet Group A runner-up Thailand on 7 June at 15:00 in the “Plate” semifinal, as the winner meets the victor of the Japan vs. Uzbekistan encounter for a spot at the “Plate” final on 8 June at 15:00. Group C winner Uruguay is set to take on three-time FIFA world champion Brazil (Group A winner) in one “Cup” semifinal on 7 June at 17:00, while the other match-up will feature Argentina (Group B winner) taking on four-time Asian champions Iran (Group D winner) on 6 June at 21:00.

07.06.2003:
Bukit Jalil,
Kuala Lumpur MALAYSIA
Putra Indoor Stadium
15:00
THAILAND – GUATEMALA

05.06.2003
Bukit Jalil,
Kuala Lumpur MALAYSIA
Putra Indoor Stadium
MALAYSIA – GUATEMALA 2:5 (0:4)
Zainondin Bin KASMIDIM 27’
Addie Azwan Bin ZAINAL 31’
Estuardo JUÁREZ 7’
Edy PINEDA 10’
Walter GRANADOS 11’
Marlon NOJ 16’
Luis MOLINA 33’

04.06.2003
Bukit Jalil,
Kuala Lumpur MALAYSIA
Putra Indoor Stadium
URUGUAY – GUATEMALA 4:2 (3:1)
Walter SKURKO 4’, 21’
Gonzalo RODRIGUEZ 5’
Pablo LAMANNA 11’
Manuel ARISTONDO 18’
Edy PINEDA 34’