Courtesy: FIFA.com


Brazilian kings rule indoors too

(FIFA.com) 28 Feb 2006

Malwee/Jaraguá raised the Brazilian flag at the summit of South American futsal once more when they claimed their second consecutive Copa Libertadores triumph. The newly crowned two-time champions saw off Universidad Autónoma of Asunción in a two-legged final in the Paraguayans' own backyard to confirm their dominance of the continental futsal scene.
The Dr. Nicolás Leoz Almirón Stadium in Itaguá provided the venue for two closely contested games (6-5 and 3-2), with the Brazilian champions edging home on both occasions. "They were two very tough matches, but once again we've shown how strong futsal is in Brazil. I can't think of a better way to start the year," remarked Falcao, the world's leading player, after the whistle had blown on a famous victory.

Friday's first leg revealed the Brazilians' superior commitment and effectiveness in front of goal with Falcao (3), Jonas, Chico and Aladinho all getting on the scoresheet. The university side replied with goals from José Santander (2), José Ortiz, Horacio Osorio and Diego González from the penalty spot.

Decisive evening
The second leg of the final took place the following day with the Brazilian outfit running out winners once more. Malwee/Jaraguá, coached by multiple champion Fernando Ferreti, adopted a more aggressive approach second time around, racing into a 2-0 lead inside the first ten minutes thanks to strikes from Falcao, with a fierce volley, and Jonas. Marcio then stretched their lead after a fine move, although José Ortiz pulled one back for the hosts just before the break.

Juan Carlos Orihuela's side produced a brave, determined second-half performance and very nearly pulled off an unlikely comeback. Diego González cut the deficit further, and although the home team laid siege to the champions' goal as a vociferous crowd cheered them on, it was not to be.

"We played two great games. We fought hard and gave it everything. Sadly, we made mistakes in both games and paid for our lack of experience. You expect that, though," explained Orihuela.

The Paraguayan coach also had words of praise for the champions, saying, "They're one of the best sides in the world. They've got professional players dedicated to the game full-time, and things like that make all the difference when it comes to the crunch."

Star man Falcao returned the compliment and could not contain his admiration for the Guarani outfit: "I'm sure that Paraguayan futsal will be making the headlines very soon. From what I can see the game isn't quite as popular here as it is in Brazil, which makes their achievement all the greater. They've just got to keep it going. That's the only way to bring futsal on."

Results

Friday 24
Universidad Autónoma 5 - 6 Malwee/Jaraguá

Saturday 25
Universidad Autónoma 2 - 3 Malwee/Jaraguá



Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com