All reports below are courtesy: FIFA.com


Russia coast as Japan exit

Russia marched on to the second round at Brazil 2008 this afternoon with a thumping and thoroughly deserved 9-1 victory over Japan in Maracanazhino.

The Asian hopefuls had begun the day knowing that victory would take them through at the Russians' expense, but they now head for home in the knowledge that they were beaten by a clearly superior side. Russia, fresh from that record-breaking 31-2 win over the Solomon Islands, were outstanding at times, confirming their status as genuine title contenders with a display of power and panache.

At the heart of much of their best play was the brilliant Dmitry Prudnikov, who gave notice of his intentions by firing home the first goal at the end of a slick one-touch move. Soon after, Damir Khamadiev added the second from a corner kick, and as Japan pushed forward, Russia punished them ruthlessly on the counter-attack, Khamadiev making it 3-0 after just 10 minutes.

The pace dropped discernibly for the remainder of the first half as Russia coasted into a six-goal lead but it soon picked up after the re-start, with Khamadiev completing his hat-trick only 23 seconds into the second half.

Japan did claim a consolation through Yuki Kanayama, and while that was warmly received by the crowd, the local fans also made a point of standing to acclaim a Russian team who had provided a veritable futsal masterclass.



Brazil on cloud nine
It was all to easy for Brazil at the Gimnasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia today as they strolled to a 9-0 win over Cuba in their final Group A match. The win put paid to any doubt that they might not finish atop the section summit and ensured a return to Rio, where they will play the first match of the second group stage on Saturday.

From the first whistle, backed by a partisan crowd, Brazil were in the ascendancy and only some fine goalkeeping from Wilfredo Carbo kept the scores level. However, when Schumacher broke the deadlock in the fourth minute, the floodgates opened.

Wilde doubled the advantage in the eighth minute and a Falcao penalty five minutes later after Betao was fouled in the box made the score 3-0. By half-time the hosts were 5-0 up thanks to Wilde's second of the match and a Lenisio strike.

Twenty seconds after the restart, Brazil hit their sixth, thanks to their skipper Vinicius. Falcao and Lenisio grabbed their seconds, but the final goal was the pick of the crop when Ari and Falcao combined superbly for Betao to complete the rout.




Paraguay claim top spot

Paraguay's 4-2 surprise victory over Italy saw them jump from third at the start of play to top of Group B and eliminate the Portugal in the process.

The first half was a nervy encounter with both teams trying not to commit any mistakes and it took some good approach play from the Italians to break the deadlock. Sergio Zanetti combined well with Cleyton Baptistella to put his side ahead in the seventh minute.

Paraguay gradually got more into the game and after several attempts, they drew level when Jose Rotella fired a shot past Alexandre Feller. But parity lasted just 46 seconds when Patrick Nora's drive rebounded off the crossbar and onto the unfortunate Jose Luis Santander who was powerless to stop the ball bouncing into the net.

Paraguay's equaliser came just a minute and seven seconds in the second half when Fabio Alcaraz kept his cool and with the added momentum, the South Americans piled on the pressure and score again through Rene Villalba.

With the game won, they poured more salt into Italy's wounds when Rotella scored his second of the match. With the goal difference in the matches between Italy, Paraguay and Portugal, the Italians clinched second place to qualify for the next round, but Portugal miss out.



Portugal and Thais tumble out

Thailand, one of the pleasant surprises of the first round of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008, were eliminated on Wednesday after a dramatic 3-2 loss with Portugal, who also head for home. The lively Asians made heavy work of it for the Lusitanians, grabbing what looked like a late equaliser, only to see their hopes dashed in stoppage time.

It looked it was going to be an easy day for the Portuguese when, in only the second minute, Arnaldo hammered home to put them up 1-0. Slowly but surely, though, the Thais hauled themselves back in the contest. On 19 minutes they were level through Eekapong Suratsawang.

Six minutes into the second half, Portugal were up again. This time it was Israel who belted home from close range to make it 2-1. The Thais refused to go away, though, and with one minute to go, Panuwat Janta struck to draw level at 2-2.

Portugal's Cardinal then struck the decisive blow in the dying moments and seal a 3-2 win.

Thailand finish their excursion on four points from four Group B games. Portugal, for their part, are also out as their goal difference is inferior to Paraguay and Italy, who both move on to the next round.



Paraguayan heroics, Italian relief

Wednesday 8 October 2008

Brazil, Russia and Italy had cause for celebration as Groups A and B reached their conclusions, but the story of the day belonged to Paraguay. Ruben Subeldia's side, twice behind and seemingly on their way out of the FIFA Futsal World Cup, produced an admirable fightback to win 4-2 and finish top of their section. The Azzurri were on the receiving end of this result, but were consumed by relief when the final whistle at the Maracanazinho confirmed they would join their opponents in the second round, edging Portugal for the runners-up spot by the narrowest of margins.

Matters were uncomplicated in Group A. The hosts swept aside Cuba to take first phase, with Russia making light work of Japan to follow them.

The big game
Italy 2-4 Paraguay
When Sandro Zanetti fired the Azzurri into an early lead, few could have predicted the drama that was to follow. First, Jose Rotella equalised, but an own goal sent the Europeans in 2-1 up at the interval. Fabio Alcaraz restored parity just after the restart, before the game flowed from end to end. Staring elimination in the face, Paraguay needed to go for broke and fortunately for their supporters, Rotella emerged a hero, setting up the game's fifth goal for Rene Villalba and completing a 4-2 success himself to send his side through as Group B winners. Italy, meanwhile, progressed in second place courtesy of a superior goal difference over Portugal in matches between the three sides who finished on nine points.

The other games
At the start of play, many felt three points against Thailand would be enough for Portugal to progress. However, although they kept their side of the bargain, Paraguay's upset of Italy sealed Orlando Duarte's team's elimination. The Thais had looked set to snatch a point when Panuwat Janta made it 2-2 with two minutes remaining, but Cardinal struck a last-gasp winner for Portugal, albeit to no avail.

Brazil delivered another staunch notice of their title intent over in Group A, beating Cuba 9-0 to reach the next phase with maximum points in the pocket. Betao rounded off an eye-catching team move to seal the victory, underlining the alliance of a team decorated by glittering individuals. Impregnable defensively and irrepressible offensively, the Seleção advanced having scored 49 goals and conceded just once in four games.

Russia and Japan met in what was effectively a play-off to finish as the pool's runners-up, and although they kicked off level on points, a gulf separated them 40 minutes later. Oleg Ivanov's side ran out 9-1 winners in front of a Maracanazinho crowd which applauded each of their fluent, purposeful attacks.

The player
Dmitry Prudnikov (RUS)
Damir Khamadiev may have posted a hat-trick, but it was the performance of one of his Russia team-mates which most caught the eye. Prudnikov launched several of his side's vibrant attacking waves, and his relentless endeavours were rewarded with two goals and an assist.

The stat
50 - The number of goals Russia managed in Group A. Remarkably, having failed to score against Brazil, they needed only three games, against Cuba, Solomon Islands and Japan, to reach the half-century.

What they said
"Brasil are a superior side, so I told my players to concentrate and play a good game. We're leaving this competition with more experience. We achieved our goal, which was to win one match, and used this opportunity to learn even more," Elddys Valdes, Cuba coach.

All the results
Brazil 9-0 Cuba
Russia 9-1 Japan
Italy 2-4 Paraguay
Portugal 3-2 Thailand



Schumacher: Fans could swing it

Wednesday 8 October 2008

Brazil’s record at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2008 is impressive to say the least. The only nation to win all four first round matches, the hosts have scored no fewer than 49 goals in the process. That statistic is even more impressive when you consider that coach Paulo de Oliveira’s team have conceded just once in four games, and are currently on a streak of 145 minutes without a goal against.

The Seleção open their second group-stage campaign on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, but before the FIFA Futsal World Cup favourites set out for their new team base, one of their undisputed superstars took time out for a chat with FIFA.com. Schumacher, with seven goals and two assists to his name so far, reviewed events at the tournament to date, and cast an eye forward to the next stage.

"We’re keeping our feet firmly on the ground, but we’re very pleased with our four victories," he said. "We were superior to all the other teams, but we respect the way they performed against us. We’ve done the job we set out to do and we’re happy with that. Brazil are on course."

Schumacher and his team-mates have been inspired and moved by the fiery passion of the home support. The atmosphere has been nothing short of exhilarating at the hosts’ four games, watched by an average attendance of 7,300 at the Nilson Nelson Hall in Brasilia, and that is unlikely to change in Rio. "It’s all been wonderful up to now," said the burly No8. "Playing here at this Futsal World Cup in Brazil is really something else. It’s my third Futsal World Cup, but playing in front of your home fans makes the whole thing very special. The support we’re getting from our fans could make the difference."

For all the burgeoning euphoria, Schumacher has not forgotten that he and his team-mates are still a long way off their ultimate target, claiming the FIFA Futsal World Cup trophy. Brazil face an extremely challenging second group stage, in which they will definitely come up against 2004 runners-up Italy. "Let no-one be in any doubt: we have some tough games in the second round, but that’s only normal," Schumacher warned. "If we’re serious about winning the trophy, we have to stay focused, and take it seriously right to the end of every match. Our most dangerous rivals are Spain, Russia, Argentina and Italy."

In one sense, the FIFA Futsal World Cup only really starts now for the Brazilians, as the Auriverdes have been operating on cruise control up to this point. Schumacher has a wary eye on his side’s forthcoming opponents, as the Inter Movistar ace is determined to lay hands on the FIFA Futsal World Cup Trophy at the third time of asking.



Six into four does not go

Wednesday 8 October 2008

The first round of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008 comes to an end this Thursday, on a matchday when six of the eight teams involved are still in with a chance of reaching the next round. FIFA.com takes a closer look at the action.

The big match
Czech Republic-Iran, Group D, 9 October, 10.30 local time, Brasilia
A quick look at the Group D standings underlines the crucial nature of this match. Iran have seven points and need a draw to reach the second group phase, while for opponents Czech Republic, on six points, only a win will do.

Both sides have exhibited similar styles of play since touching down in Brazil, with tactical discipline the order of the day. The key to victory could, therefore, lie with those two men most likely to create something out of nothing: Roman Mares of Czech Republic and Iran's Vahid Shamsaee. Also sure to play decisive roles are the respective keepers, Tomas Meller and Mostafa Nazari, who have shown great consistency between the sticks.

The other games
In the section's other match, reigning world and European champions Spain take on the already eliminated Uruguay, seeking a win that would ensure their place in the next round as group winners. After a stumbling start, Venancio Lopez's charges have gone from strength to strength and not conceded a goal in their last two-and-a-half matches. All the signs, therefore, point to another victory for La Roja.

Over in Group C, leaders Ukraine are expected to add to their seven-point tally when they take on China PR, a side that have lost all their previous nine games at the FIFA Futsal World Cup. Though top of the table on goal difference, the Europeans must stay focused if they wish to guarantee a first-place finish and thus avoid the most potentially difficult second-round opponents.

Over in Brasilia, meantime, the outcome of the game between Argentina and Guatemala will also have a huge bearing on the Group C standings. The Albiceleste go into the match needing just a draw to progress, given their one-point advantage and superior goal difference, though they can still snatch top spot from Ukraine. The Chapines, for their part, will be determined to catch the Argentinians off-guard and secure their own place in the next phase.

Note: To learn more about how teams that finish level on points are separated, click on Regulations FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008 on the right-hand column and go to page 24.

The player
Valeriy Legchanov, Ukraine
The 28-year-old wide player has been his team's orchestrator-in-chief during the group stage, making full use of his vision and decision-making to keep the Ukrainian machine constantly ticking over. And the Energy Lviv player also knows where the goal is, having weighed in with two strikes.

The stat
23 - The number of FIFA Futsal World Cup appearances made by Spain's Javi Rodriguez. The Barcelona star moved ahead of his compatriot Julio's mark of 22 against Czech Republic, and now lies third in the all-time list behind former Brazilian internationals Manoel Tobias (31 appearances) and Fininho (27).

What they said
"Guatemala have made huge progress since the 2000 World Cup and against Argentina we'll be going all out to qualify. It's difficult but we're going to give it a go," Carlos Merida, Guatemala player.

All the fixtures
Brasilia
Argentina-Guatemala
Ukraine-China PR

Rio de Janeiro
Spain-Uruguay
Czech Republic-Iran







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