Courtesy FIFA.com

Brazil find their sparkle in Thailand

Futsal kings Brazil have banished their disappointment at finishing second in the Copa America by triumphing in the Thailand 5s tournament. Coached by Fernando Ferretti, the South Americans gave a magisterial display in South-East Asia, leaving Japan, Russia and the hosts trailing in their wake.
The tournament was the first international football competition to be staged in Thailand and, as hoped for by its organisers, proved to be a great success.

Dancing to a samba beat

The Brazilians stamped their authority on proceedings from the off, playing some scintillating futsal in the process. With four wins in as many games, 26 goals scored and only six conceded, the Seleçao were dominant throughout.

In the first phase of the competition, which was played in a league format, the three-times world champions easily overcame Japan (5-2), before disposing of Russia (3-1), who were recently eliminated from the preliminary competition of the FIFA Futsal World Championship Chinese Taipei 2004. Then, in their final game the South Americans hammered an enthusiastic Thai side, coached by Argentinian Vicente De Luise, 11-1.

Japan, meanwhile, booked the other place in the Final with a win over Russia (6-2), providing further proof of their status as an emerging force in the game.

The result of the Japan-Brazil final, played on the 23 November in Nimbutr National Stadium was never in doubt, with the kings of the discipline triumphing 7-2 to take the spoils. Ferretti’s post-competition comments were effusive: “I am absolutely delighted with this win. What struck me is the quality of our play against the Japanese, who are themselves far from novices. With each game, Japan are gaining in experience and they can only go from strength to strength in the future," he declared.

In addition to the team prize the Brazilians also carried off the tournament's individual trophies, with the best player award going to Falcao and team-mate Pablo picking up the top scorer prize for his six goals.

Enthusiastic Thailand

Despite failing to win a game, the Thai team inspired a great deal of warmth and optimism in their home country. “We planned to promote tourism and to prepare a team that will bid for qualification for the FIFA Futsal World Championship next year,” declared Sontaya Kunplome, Minister for Sport and Tourism.

From a purely sporting perspective, Thai coach Vicente De Luise could look back with some satisfaction. By holding Japan to a 0-0 draw, his side proved that they may well be a force to be reckoned with during the Asian preliminary competition. The Argentinian coach had stated his aims prior to the tournament on FIFA.com: "It is important to introduce discipline into Thai society. This can be achieved by organising competitions and getting good results.” Recent developments would suggest he is getting his way….