All reports below are courtesy: FIFA.com


Irresistible Brazil hit 21

Brazil scored 21 times without reply against Solomon Islands to consolidate their position at the Group A summit. The victory was the second biggest in FIFA Futsal World Cup history, surpassed only by the Seleção's 29-2 defeat of the host nation at Guatemala 2000.

Brazilian keeper Tiago was unexpectedly forced into making two early saves, but the floodgates opened once Lenisio broke the minnows' resistance on five minutes. It was 8-0 by the break, and things were to get worse for the brave but outclassed Solomons.

Lenisio finished the game with four goals to his name, two fewer than the irrepressible Falcao, and both Schmacher and Betao posted hat-tricks. Wilde, twice, Gabriel and Carlinhos were also on target for Paulo de Oliveira's side, who already look the team to beat.



Portugal edge out Paraguay

Portugal opened their Brazil 2008 campaign with a hard-fought win over Paraguay, edging the South Americans by the odd goal in five.

Once again, the crowd at Rio's Maracanazhino arena were treated to a thrilling encounter as these evenly-matched Group B rivals contested an intense and unpredictable match from the off. Paraguay, with confidence soaring after their 5-0 victory over USA, monopolised the early possession, but couldn't find a way through despite peppering Joao Benedito's goal with shots.

Portugal opted for a more direct approach, and it was one which quickly paid dividends in the shape of a slick opener, Pedro Costa rounding off a swift counter-attack. Paraguay, however, continued to press, and it was no more than they deserved when Jose Rotella restored parity, turning in from the left to score.

This merely proved a signal for intensity and often ferocity of the play to move up a notch, although it was a moment of genuine beauty that handed Portugal their second goal. Ricardinho and Costa both showed superb skill to combine in the creation of the easiest imaginable chance for the grateful Arnaldo.

Yet Paraguay are nothing if not tenacious and they fought back once again, capitalising on a slip in the Europeans' defence to equalise for a second time through Rene Villalba. At this stage, with the clock ticking down, one suspected that the next goal could settle matters, and it was Arnaldo who provided the decisive moment of inspiration. With the Paraguay defence tiring, he ghosted inside from the right and drove the ball home left-footed to seal the points and spark jubilant scenes on the Portuguese bench.




Confident Czechs aiming high

Thursday 2 October 2008

Just four years ago in Chinese Taipei, an unfancied Czech Republic side sprung a surprise by reaching the second group phase at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2004. And though the gallant Czechs failed to pick up any further points, having been drawn alongside eventual finalists Spain and Italy as well as Portugal, their respectable top-eight finish would serve as some consolation.

Here at Brazil 2008, however, the European outfit have set the bar still higher. "Our aim is the same as all the other teams', and that is to become world champions," star man David Fric told FIFA.com ahead of his side's Group D opener against Uruguay. "However, we are aware that for that to happen we need to take a vital step, which is making it through the first phase. But we want the title."

No first-match fears for Fric and Co
It is often said that the first match at any major tournament is always a daunting experience, and that nerves can easily throw the form book on its head. And at first glance the Czech Republic may appear more susceptible than most to this phenomenon, given their status as Europe's youngest squad here in Brazil. Fric, however, thinks differently: "I think that we've got enough experience because we've played in some very tough games. And, in fact, we already beat Uruguay 3-0 a few months ago at the Grand Prix [Futsal 2008]."

Wary of sounding over-confident, the Eco Investment Prague star moved quickly to clear up any misunderstandings: "Though I do know that we're capable of beating them, they have a tough team and it won't be at all easy." And on what factors could the result hinge? "Not making any mistakes. Whoever makes least mistakes is sure to claim the victory. Apart from that, it's just about scoring one more goal than your opponents," added the 25-year-old defensive player.

Watch and learn
The thrilling 3-3 draw between the Czech's fellow group rivals Spain and Iran still has Fric is a state of shock: "I'd thought the Spaniards would win all their group matches, so that result really surprised me," he admits.

"I mean, we knew that the Iranians were not to be taken lightly, and Libya mustn't be underestimated either after they drew with Uruguay. But even so, I didn't expect it. It's clear that every one of the participating teams has something to offer, and that we ourselves have things to learn."

And though the tournament is still only two matchdays old, the Czech stalwart is happy to give his verdict on the action so far. "We've seen that all the teams are excellently prepared, and I'm sure this will be a great World Cup. I'm certain we'll see several matches that are as good as the Spain-Iran clash," added the man who scored three goals in helping his country qualify for Brazil 2008. "It's a long tournament and you never know which teams will feature in the biggest games. I just hope that Czech Republic are involved in plenty of them."




Joy of six for Italy

Italy, the runners-up at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Chinese Taipei four years ago, looked impressive at the Maracanazhino today as they came from behind to beat USA 6-1 in the Group B encounter.

With Sandro Zanetti and Adriano Foglia once again looking threatening in attack, it was somewhat surprising when Andy Rosenband put the USA ahead with just five minutes on the clock. However, the Europeans went into the half-time interval ahead thanks to goals from their influential striking duo.

It was largely the same story in the second half. USA did have chances to equalize, but when Patrick Nora's deflected shot found the back of the net, their hopes of sharing the spoils ended. Grana's second penalty in as many games, plus goals from Edgar Bertoni and Saad Assis completed the rout.

Italy and USA meet Portugal and Thailand respectively in their penultimate Group B games on Sunday.





Russians roll over Cuba

In an intriguing contest with old Cold War overtones, Russia showed no mercy to the CONCACAF islanders. Winning 10-5 on the day in Brasilia, the Europeans offered up superior technique and tactics to their Caribbean counterparts, who fought gamely despite being overmatched.

Yosniel Mesa seemed to indicate early that is was going to be a tough day for the Cubans, scoring an unfortunate own goal in the fourth minute to gift the Russians an early lead. Three minutes later, Vladislav Shayakhmetov and Konstantin Maevskiy made it 3-0 as the game looked to be getting away from the Cubans. Dmitry Prudnikov and Sirilo then added a pair of goals in the eighth and ninth minutes respectively to make the score 5-0.

The Cubans, to their credit, pulled the train back on the rails. Carlos Madrigal scored in the 15th minute and Mesa added one- in the right goal this time - to make the score 5-2 at the break.

The second half saw a flurry of activity and goal-mouth action. First Damir Khamadiev hit home for the Russians in the 29th minute and Sirilo added another to make it 7-2, before Mesa pulled one back for Cuba.

It was all for naught, though, as the Russians pulled away in the fading minutes and the final score read a lopsided 10-5. The result sees the Russians pick up their first win and are tied with Cuba (behind Brazil) in second place in Group A.





Fireworks and suspense in Brazil

Thursday 2 October 2008

The third day of action at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008 provoked contrasting emotions in the two host cities. While it rained goals in Brasilia, where the home side and Russia were the two teams on song, Portugal and Italy had to wait for late winners over Paraguay and the USA respectively in Rio de Janeiro.

The big game
Solomon Islands 0-21 Brazil
Goals: Lenisio 5, 23, 35, 37, Wilde 6, 19, Vinicius 8, Falcao 9, 19, 22, 33, 40, 40, Schumacher 14, 17, 30, Betao 25, 28, 28, Gabriel 34, Carlinhos 35 (Brazil)

"Our players need to use this competition to become hardened," commented Solomon Islands coach Victor Wai'ia before the match against Brazil. They ought to be positively steely after watching the ball cross their goal line 21 times, a figure that demonstrated exactly how far they lag behind the world's finest teams. As for the Auriverde, after putting 12 past Japan, they managed to add another nine to their total against the side from Oceania, with Falcao showing why he is considered the best player on the planet by notching six.

The other games
In the other match in Group A, Russia took their first steps in the competition in some style, registering a 10-5 victory over a courageous Cuba team that never really threatened their opponents. Thanks to those finishing skills, and those of the free-scoring hosts, fans at Brasilia's Gimnasio Nilson Nelson got to witness 36 goals in total.

Supporters more intent on suspenseful encounters were better served in Group B, meanwhile. Portugal were making their first appearance in the tournament after sitting out the first day and found themselves in a real tussle with Paraguay, the Albirrojos managing to come back twice before Arnaldo struck a winner for the Europeans shortly before the end. In the following game, Italy struggled against the USA before opening the floodgates in the dying minutes. The result was enough to send the unspectacular but effective Italians through.

The player
Arnaldo (POR)
A captain should always lead by example, and that is exactly what Arnaldo did against Paraguay on Thursday, securing victory for his team by notching the decisive goal. Having already found the target to put the Iberians 2-1 up, the midfielder was on hand again two minutes from time to snatch victory with an excellent individual effort. Add in a shot against the post, tireless activity and constant motivation of his team-mates, and you have a recipe for the perfect match.

The stat
291 - The number of goals scored by Brazil in 42 FIFA Futsal World Cup matches, giving them an average of 6.92 per game. The 21 strikes conjured up against Solomon Islands took the Seleçao's total in the 2008 edition to 33, following their 12 against Japan.

What they said
"This festival of goals was good for our team. I hope my players made the most of this chance to play against opponents like that." Solomon Islands coach Victor Wai'ia after his team's 21-0 loss to Brazil

All the results
Solomon Islands 0-21 Brazil
Russia 10-5 Cuba
USA 1-6 Italy
Portugal 3-2 Paraguay



European duo enter the fray

Thursday 2 October 2008

Ukraine and the Czech Republic will be making their first appearances at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2008 on Friday, the former facing CONCACAF champions Guatemala and the latter taking on Uruguay. World champions Spain meanwhile will be looking for their first win of the tournament against Libya.

The big game
Egypt-Argentina, Friday 3 October, 10.30 local time, Brasilia
After their 5-0 thrashing of China PR to open the tournament, Argentina will face an Egypt side on Friday who are still smarting from their last-minute 1-0 defeat to Guatemala. Egyptian keeper Hema put in an excellent showing in that match and will have to be at the top of his game once more against the team who finished fourth in the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2004.

The other games
Two other European teams will be getting down to business for the first time on Friday. Ukraine's opening Group C match will pit them against Guatemala, who sneaked through their first match with a 1-0 win over Egypt. Ukraine, however, finished fourth at this tournament in 1996 and will no doubt provide tough opposition.

The Czech Republic meanwhile will begin their campaign against Uruguay, who squandered 2-0 and 3-1 leads in their draw with Libya in their opening match. At the last FIFA Futsal World Cup in Chinese Taipei in 2004, the Czechs made it as far as the second group phase before coming unstuck against big guns Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Libya and Spain are the remaining two of the eight teams in action on Friday. Both of them opened their accounts here in Brazil with 3-3 draws, though how they went about securing the one-pointers could hardly have been more different. Current world champions Spain put in a very sub-par showing against Iran, while Libya showed enormous fighting spirit to get something out of their match with Uruguay. Draws will not be enough now though, and both teams will be desperate for the win.

The player
Carlos Merida, Guatemala
Merida is the goalkeeper who was largely responsible for CONCACAF champions Guatemala's 1-0 win over Egypt. He may only be 1.69 metres tall, but he was big enough to keep the Africans off the scoresheet and even set up a few chances for his team-mates. It will be interesting to see whether Merida also tries to feed his attackers in the match against Ukraine.

The stat
25 - FIFA.com would like to wish Spanish player Ortiz a happy 25th birthday. An ideal present would obviously be victory for his team over African champions Libya.

What they said
"I'm actually really not the kind of player to be scoring three goals - I'm usually the one setting them up." Marcelo Gimenez, Argentina player, after his hat-trick against China

All the fixtures
Brasilia
Egypt - Argentina (10.30)
Ukraine - Guatemala (12.30)

Rio de Janeiro
Libya - Spain (10.30)
Czech Republic - Uruguay (12.30)





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