Courtesy: Canadian Press

Futsal World Cup: Spain defeats Czech Republic 4-0

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Midfielder Marcelo scored two goals early in the second half to lead two-time defending champion Spain to a 4-0 win over the Czech Republic at the Futsal World Cup on Sunday.

It was Spain's second straight win after a disappointing opening draw against Iran, giving it seven points at the top of Group D. Iran has four points after beating Libya 4-2.

Striker Javi Rodriguez opened the scoring just one minute into the match at the Maracanazinho arena in Rio de Janeiro, and the Spaniards pulled away with three goals in three minutes in the beginning of the second half.

Marcelo scored in the 21st and 23rd, and striker Daniel added his goal with a penalty kick in the 22nd.

Spain and Brazil - which beat Russia 7-0 on Saturday - are the only countries to have won the futsal World Cup in the five tournaments played since 1989.

Also Sunday, Argentina defender Diego Giustozzi scored a last-minute equalizer in the team's 2-2 draw against Ukraine.

The benches were cleared near the end of the match after a dispute between Ukraine goalkeeper Vladyslav Lysenko and Argentina midfielder Marcelo Gimenez, prompting a yellow card to the goalkeeper.

Argentina leads Group C with seven points, three more than Ukraine.

Also Sunday, Ahmed El Agouz scored twice in the second half to give Egypt a 6-2 victory over China.

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






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