Courtesy: The AFC.com


Japan, Thailand lose futsal openers

1 October 2008

RIO DE JANEIRO/BRASILIA: Japan suffered a heavy defeat to hosts Brazil while Thailand put up a tough fight against Italy in the FIFA Futsal World Cup here Tuesday.

Japan lost 12-1 in their opening match while the Thais, who are the Asian runners-up, went down 1-0 to their rivals.

The only goal for Japan in the Group A opener was scored by Nobuya Osodo in the 15th minute.

Italy were made to work hard by the Thais, particularly goalkeeper Surapong Tompa. Grana scored the solitary goal of the encounter five minutes before half-time off a penalty.

Prasert Innui had three easy chances to equalise before the break but wasted all his attempts.

In Wednesday’s action, Asian champions Iran take on Spain, who are looking for their third straight world title, while China clash with Argentina in another match.



Courtesy: The AFC.com


Iran hold champs Spain; China lose

RIO DE JANEIRO/BRASILIA: Asian futsal champions Iran stunned Spain by holding the reigning two-time world champions to a 3-3 draw in their FIFA Futsal World Cup opener on Wednesday.

Another Asian team in the fray, China, however, lost to Argentina 5-0.

In Rio, Iran relied on a pattern of swift counter-attacks which saw Mohammad Taheri (4) and Ali Hassanzadeh (12) combine to open the scoring before AFC Futsal Player of the Year Vahid Shamsaee made it 3-0 before the break.

However, Spain struck back in the second half and goals from Torras (22, 36) and Borja (30) saw both sides share the spoils.

"We were really surprised at how warmly the Brazilian fans greeted us today. They got behind us from the start and really supported us," Iranian midfielder Ali Hassanzadeh said.

China had little chance against a rampant Argentina in Brasilia and succumbed to a heavy defeat. Marcelo Gimenez (6, 9, 17), Martin Amas (30) and Sebastian Corrazza (40) were the goal scorers for the winners.





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