Courtesy: Bernama


Brazil, Argentina, Two Futsal Giants In KL World 5's Final

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 (Bernama) -- Brazil and Argentina are in the final for the US$50,000 KL World 5's Cup title, after both South American teams walloped their respective opponents in the semi-finals at Stadium Negara today.

Argentina, nicknamed "Los Gauchos", defeated Asean champions Thailand 5-3 in a closely fought match. The Argentineans' top scorer Cristain Borruto scored the opener in the 9th minute but two minutes later was levelled by Thailand's Ekapong Suratsawang.

However, Argentina were back in front through Santiago Pablo Basile (12th) and scored two more through its skipper Jose Luis Godoy (13th and 19th). After the breather, Argentina's Ignacio Cavigna added the fifth but Thailand managed to narrow the score through goals by Anucha Munjarern (29th and 38th).

Argentina's coach Jose Fernando said they were surprised by Thailand's improved performance which was better that several South American countries' after Thailand engaged the services of Brazilian and Spanish coaches.

Asked on the tough battle against their arch rivals Brazil, Jose said Argentina and Brazil had high standards of play and both teams could be separated by luck.

In another semi-final match, Brazil crushed Australia 7-0. Brazil's William Alves Morais scored a hattrick (3rd, 23rd and 24th), Lenisio Teixeira Junior (8th and 24th), and a goal each by Alex Domingos Roza and Joao Batista Carvalho.

Brazilian coach Paulo Cesar de Oliveira said this was the second time they met in the tournament in Malaysia. In the KL World 5's final in 2003 at the Putra Stadium, Argentina emerged champions after beating Brazil 3-2.

"We had met several times but the Argentineans always emerged the winners. Nevertheless, tomorrow's final will be an exciting match. Both teams have all the skills, talents and tactics," he said.

The final between Argentina and Brazil will be played at 7pm.

Meanwhile, for the Plate title, the Netherlands and Asian champions Iran will clash in the final at 5pm tomorrow after both teams overwhelmed their challengers.

The Netherlands trounced Malaysia 6-0 while Iran hammered Indonesia 13-0.

The Bowls final between England and China will be played at 3pm.


SEMI-FINAL MATCH RESULTS:

CUP:

1. Argentina 5 Thailand 3

2. Brazil 7 Australia 0


PLATE:

1. Holland 6 Malaysia 0

2. Iran 13 Indonesia 0

FINAL MATCHES TOMORROW:

1. CUP: Argentina vs Brazil, 7pm

2. PLATE: Holland vs Iran, 5pm

3. BOWLS: England vs China, 3pm







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