Courtesy: Herald Tribune


Spain rallies to draw 3-3 with Iran

The Associated Press

October 1, 2008

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil: Defending champion Spain scored three second-half goals to draw 3-3 against Iran on Wednesday at the Futsal World Cup.

Spain easily dominated ball possession in the first half but was unable to repel Iran's counterattacks.

Iran was 3-0 ahead within 12 minutes of the five-a-side indoor football match. Spain hit back two minutes after the interval, and quickly added another goal before equalizing in the 36th minute.

Futsal is played in two 20-minute periods on a surface about the size of a basketball court.

Also, Guatemala scored in the final minute to beat Egypt 1-0, Argentina thrashed China 5-0 and Uruguay and Libya drew 3-3.

Spain and Brazil are the favorites to win this year's World Cup in Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia.

A total of 20 nations are divided into four groups, with the top two advancing to the next stage with two groups of four teams. The top two in those groups go through to the semifinals.






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