All reports below are courtesy: FIFA.com


Spain reach final four

A 2-1 victory over Argentina at the Gimnasio Nilson Nelson means that Spain have qualified for the semi-finals of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008.

Argentina were dealt a huge blow on the eve of their match as their captain Carlos Sanchez was forced to miss the game with a leg injury. The injury forced the South Americans into a reshuffle and, as a result, it was perhaps no surprise that Spain looked strong from the start.

Javi Rodriguez, Kike and Torras, but Javier Guisande in the Argentina goal was equal to all of them. Argentina arguably created the better chance of the opening stages when Matias Lucuix forced Luis Amado into a fine save, but in the 15th minute, Spain took the lead when Fernando hammered the ball into the Argentina net.

The reply was almost immediate. Fernando Wilhelm's had saw his shot deflected on to the post by Martin Amas, but they got the goal their efforts deserved when Hernan Garcias slotted the ball home with two seconds of the half remaining.

Ortiz put Spain 2-1 ahead in the 24th minute, but once again, Argentina refused to lie down. Wilhelm rattled the crossbar three minutes after the goal, although that was their only noteworthy effort with the Europeans working hard to contain their rivals.

While Spain celebrate, Argentina now need a win in their final group match against Russia on Tuesday to stand a chance of progressing.




Italy no match for hosts

Brazil underlined their title credentials in Maracanzhino with a 3-0 victory over Italy that allied tactical discipline to their traditional commitment to attack.

Keeping a clean sheet certainly seemed as high on the hosts' list of priorities as scoring goals, and in the end they were able to marry these two aims for a victory that should see them through to the semi-finals, depending on the outcome of Iran-Ukraine.

Although both sides showed a healthy respect for each other with their cautious gameplans, Brazil deserved credit for sticking to their usual formation, with two offensive players - Marquinho and Lenisio - to Italy's one. There was, however, little to separate these sides during the early exchanges, and only when Betao grew in influence did the hosts begin to take a stranglehold.

Eventually, their dominance paid off when Schumacher ghosted into space at a corner and coolly converted a Marquinho cross to hand his side a 12th-minute lead. Italy were struggling to simply keep their heads above water at this stage and, just two minutes later, a second Brazilian goal left them with a mountain to climb, Lenisio slotting home following some great approach play by Wilde.

With both teams having lost a player to a red card - Betao for Brazil and Marcio Forte for Italy - the second half lacked the excitement and tension of the first, especially as Brazil were always in command. The outcome was effectively decided with ten minutes remaining, when Ari nipped in to pounce from close range after Falcao's initial shot had been spilled.




Russia win in thriller

A last-gasp goal from Vladislav Shayakhmetov gave Russia a 5-4 win over Paraguay at the Gimnasio Nilson Nelsen in a topsy turvy encounter.

It was a game dominated by two hat-tricks. Pula thought that he may have sealed the points for Russia when he wrapped up his treble in the 35th minute and Fabio Alcaraz may have thought that he had earned his side a share of the spoils with a 39th minute goal, but in the end it was Shayakhmetov's late, late strike which decided the game's fate.

It was the Europeans who made the brightest start, going 2-0 up inside the opening 19 minutes. Pula put his side ahead in the eighth minute and Shayakhmetov doubling his side advantage 11 minutes later.

But Paraguay came back strongly hitting three goals without reply, firstly through a Jose Rotella penalty and then through Alcaraz.

Pula levelled matters and then put his side ahead before Alcaraz made it 4-4. But with half a second on the clock, Shayakhmetov hit the winner.




Shamsaee sparks Iran comeback

Iran live to fight another day after coming from two goals down to edge a thrilling Group E encounter with Ukraine by the odd goal in nine.

The Asian champions' fate wil now be decided against Italy on Tuesday after a heart-stopping encounter that had everything one could want from a futsal match: excitement, passion and goals.

The respective sides' commitment to attack ensured that and it was Ukraine, so effective on the break, who looked to have the greatest cutting edge when they marched into a 2-0 lead inside nine minutes through goals from Ildar Makayev and Sergiy Cheporniuk.

Yest, with Iran looked tired and disorientated, their captain Vahid Shamsaee led by example, scoring from a penalty to reduce the deficit and forcing Fedir Pylypiv into an own goal to equalise before netting another spot kick to put Iran in front.

Mohammad Taheri took up the guantlet to score Iran's fourth and fifth goals, leaving Ukraine chasing a result that would preserve their own fragile hopes. As it was, while the Eastern Europeans poured men forward in search of a way back into the match, a combination of poor finishing, bad luck and superb goalkeeping from Mostafa Nazari ensured that the celebrations belonged to Iran.




Spain and Brazil make last four

Sunday 12 October 2008

Holders Spain and hosts Brazil, the pre-tournament favourites at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2008, are both through to the semi-finals with a game to spare after defeating Argentina and Italy respectively. The Spanish and Brazilians made it two wins out of two in the second round and are now guaranteed either first or second place in their groups. The day's other two games both finished 5-4, Russia edging out Paraguay and Iran overcoming Ukraine.

The big game
Russia 5-4 Paraguay
Goals: Pula 8, 32, 35, Shayakhmetov 19, 40 (Russia);
Rotello 20, Alcaraz 23, 32, 39 (Paraguay)

This high-quality encounter was not for the faint-hearted, with a heart-stopping climax to round it all off. With just 109 seconds to go, Alcaraz sent the Paraguay camp into raptures with the goal to tie the game at 4-4. But South American joy was short-lived as Shayakhmetov netted Russia’s dramatic winner in the dying seconds. Pula stole the show for the eastern Europeans with three goals, a feat emulated by Alcaraz for Paraguay.

The other games
Spain became the first team through to the semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over Argentina, meaning the holders can finish no lower than second in Group F. Argentina now face a must-win encounter with Russia on Tuesday if they are to keep alive their hopes of the last four.

Hosts Brazil maintained their perfect record with a sixth victory in six matches, and are also safely through to the semis. The Auriverde and 2004 runners-up Italy served up thrilling end-to-end entertainment from the start, but both keepers were in scintillating form and pulled off a string of breathtaking saves. The hosts proved the stronger and won 3-0, sealing their berth in the last four thanks to Iran’s victory over Ukraine in the second Group E fixture.

The Asian champions beat the eastern Europeans 5-4 in another thriller to preserve their chance of a semi-final berth. Mohammad Taheri and Vahid Shamsaee both struck twice for the impressive Iranians.

The player
Pula (Russia)
The Russian ace struck three goals in his side’s 5-4 triumph and also provided the assist for the dramatic last-gasp winner. The man with the number seven jersey is now the leading scorer at the tournament on 15 goals.

The stat
5 – The number of consecutive matches in which FIFA Futsal World Cup hosts Brazil have kept a clean sheet, a new all-time record for the event. The only goal the hosts have conceded so far came in their opening match against Japan when Nobuya Osodo hit the target – scant consolation perhaps, as the Japanese lost 12-1.

What they said
"This defeat doesn’t make qualifying for the semi-finals any more complicated, as a draw would hardly have made any difference. We simply have to beat Russia in our next match. Despite the fact we lost, I’m very pleased with my team’s performance," Sergio Lopez, Argentina coach

The results
Italy 0-3 Brazil
Ukraine 4-5 Iran
Spain 2-1 Argentina
Russia 5-4 Paraguay




New boy Lucuix eyeing semis

Sunday 12 October 2008

Tuesday sees a showdown in Rio de Janeiro between Argentina and Russia in Group F with a place in the last four at FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008 at stake. The eastern Europeans will go into the final game boosted by their last-minute 5-4 win over Paraguay, a victory which handed them a two-point cushion over their South American rivals in the table. While a draw for coach Oleg Ivanov’s Russia team should see them progress into the semi-finals, nothing less than a win for the Albiceleste would be good enough.

Ahead of the crucial encounter, Argentina’s FIFA Futsal World Cup debutant Matias Lucuix took time to speak to FIFA.com about the game against Russia and his experiences so far at Brazil 2008.

Must-win game
“We knew that the game against Spain would be very important, and we wanted to come away with three points. We did our very best against the reigning world champions. We’ll give everything we can now in the game against Russia, as a semi-final spot is up for grabs,” Lucuix told FIFA.com.

The Albiceleste no 9 knows that his side will have their work cut out against a fearsome Russian attack that includes Brazilian-born Pula, the tournament top scorer. “It’s going to be a difficult game and we’ll have to be well-organised in defence," says Lucuix.

"With Pula and Cirilo in their ranks, they are a very strong team. We must be very careful to track back as their counter-attacking ability is one of their main strengths.”

Brazil tie the reward
The determination in Lucuix’s eyes betrays his desire to reach the last four of the FIFA Futsal World Cup, where an encounter against South American rivals Brazil is a very real possibility. “We will give everything we can to achieve our aim. We’ll be going into the game totally focused. We know we have to defeat Russia and we believe we can do it,” he said.

The 22-year-old Lucuix, playing in his first edition of the showpiece event, has enjoyed an impressive tournament so far, scoring three times in five appearances for the Albiceleste. “I’m just getting my first taste of a World Cup here. I’ve played well at times, less so at other times, but, on the whole, I think I’ve made a positive contribution to the team’s success,” a modest Lucuix told FIFA.com.

Lucuix at home in Spain
In a team with many more experienced colleagues, Lucuix’s easy-going nature is perhaps one of his strengths. Though he may appear extremely relaxed on the pitch, his shooting ability and assured technique on the ball can be breathtaking. Qualities that are no doubt appreciated at Spanish club Caja Segovia, where Lucuix plies his trade. “Futsal in Spain is at a different level. The league there is more professional. We train every day and players can make a living from the game,” said the Argentinian wide player.

“It really is an honour to be playing in Spain, as I believe the league there is stronger than the Brazilian or Italian leagues. You can learn a lot playing there as you’re up against the best players in the world every week.”

Tuesday’s intriguing encounter will decide if Lucuix’s first FIFA Futsal World Cup adventure continues or not. And after losing 2-1 to Spain on Sunday, he would surely relish the prospect of another meeting with his adopted country in the final on October 19. Albeit with a different outcome, of course.




Fear not a factor for Iran

Monday 13 October 2008

Speaking to FIFA.com almost a month ago, Hossein Shams, coach of the Iranian futsal team proclaimed, "Our initial goal is to make it through to the second phase. Everyone dreams of winning the World Cup, and we're no exception, but we can't start thinking about that until we reach the latter stages." If the statement sounded a little over-ambitious at the time, today, with the team one game away from a semi-final berth, it appears anything but.

It should be said, however, that the task awaiting Team Melli is far from easy, with victory over Chinese Taipei 2004 runners-up Italy required this Tuesday if they are to continue in the competition.

"I believe Brazil are still the best team out there, with Spain a very close second. Having played against those two already, I reckon that Italy aren't as tough a proposition," Iranian wide player Mohammad Taheri told FIFA.com. After drawing 3-3 with the reigning champions and narrowly going down 1-0 to the hosts, will Iran be up to the task on Tuesday?

No excuses
Unfortunately for Iran, they will have to face the Azzurri without two of their key players, captain Vahid Shamsaee and Mohammad Keshavarz, both of whom are suspended. And while some feel this puts the Asian side at a serious disadvantage, Taheri is not one of them. "They are two very important players, but the guys replacing them will do a great job. We Iranians are well used to this type of situation. We thrive on adversity and always find the strength to keep going," says the 23-year-old with conviction.

Hossein Shams' team have already played a match at the Nilson Nelson Hall in the Brazilian capital, whereas their opponents will be making their debut there on Tuesday. And though any small advantage can be critical at this level, Taheri says that "against a team of the calibre of Italy, I don't think that will give us an advantage. Moreover, the Italians feel right at home here in Brazil."

A historic moment
Though appearing in his first FIFA Futsal World Cup, the Shahid Mansouri player has been performing like a veteran so far. With five goals to his name - two against Ukraine and one each against Spain, Uruguay and Libya - he is currently his side's joint top-scorer alongside Shamsaee. "It's been a magnificent experience because we've done it in the country that has given us this sport's most technically gifted players. On top of that, the public have been very affectionate towards us. It's all been wonderful," he says with a smile.

At Hong Kong 1992, Iran famously beat Italy 7-5 at the group phase en route to a semi-final appearance and eventual fourth-place finish. Taheri, however, is not placing much store on what happened back then. "Futsal was different in those days and nothing like as competitive as it is now. That's why I think our game against Italy will be the biggest in the history of Iranian futsal."

Lest anyone is still in any doubt about his side's ambition, the youngster finishes up by saying: "We came here to prove to ourselves that we could finish in the top four. However, now that we know just what we're capable of, we want to contest the final, and against Brazil."




Semi spots up for grabs

Monday 13 October 2008

With world champions Spain and host nation Brazil are already assured of a place in the last four of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2008, this Tuesday's matches will see Russia, Argentina, Paraguay, Iran and Italy battle it out for the two remaining berths. As ever FIFA.com is here to bring you an in-depth preview of the 13th day of play.

The big game
Iran-Italy, Group E, 14 October, 10.30 local time, Brasilia
Level on three points apiece, Iran and Italy go head-to-head in the Brazilian capital on Tuesday to decide who takes Group E's second available semi-final berth. Boasting a slightly better goal difference, a draw would be enough to send the Chinese Taipei 2004 runners-up through, but their Asian opponents have shown they are a match for anyone here at Brazil 2008. However, it remains to be seen how well they will cope in the absence of their captain and top scorer Vahid Shamsaee through suspension. Even so, the Azzurri will need all their considerable individual and collective ability in order to progress.

What do the record books say? In the pair's only previous meeting at this competition, in the first group phase at Hong Kong 1992, Iran won 7-5 before eventually going on to reach the semi-finals. Will history repeat itself 16 years later?

The other games
The scenario is a little more complicated over in Group F. Though holders Spain are assured of a semi-final place, their failure to secure top spot in the group would see them face the mighty Brazil in the last four. La Roja (6 points) take on a Paraguay (1 pt) side obliged to take all three points against the two-time FIFA Futsal World Cup winners and hope Argentina can overcome Russia.

For Russia (3 pts), a draw should be enough to go through, particularly if the Albirroja fail to beat Spain. Argentina (1 pt), however, know that a win could send them into the semi-finals, providing they better Paraguay's result against the Spanish. But the South Americans have yet to defeat their eastern European rivals at the global event, drawing 2-2 at Spain 1996 before being dealt a 7-1 futsal lesson at Guatemala 2000.

Finally, back in Group E, only a catastrophe against already-eliminated Ukraine would prevent the Auriverde going through in first place. The Brazilians have not conceded a goal for a staggering 265 minutes, and go into the match on the back of their faultless 3-0 demolition job of Italy.

The player
Vladislav Shayakhmetov (RUS)
The 27-year-old pivot was Russia's hero against Paraguay, grabbing the winning goal in the dying seconds of a thrilling encounter. The Dinamo Yamal Moscow star has struck in four of his country's six games so far and is the squad's second highest scorer with nine goals.

The stat
9.1 - Russia's average goals per game over the course of this year's showpiece. Brazil are second on 8.1 and Paraguay third with 4.1. Of the eight teams in the second group phase, Italy's average of 2.1 is the lowest.

What they said
"The match against Iran will be our most difficult at this tournament, not because of how good a team they have, but because of what's at stake," Alexandre Feller, Italy goalkeeper.

All the fixtures
Brasilia
Iran-Italy
Paraguay-Spain

Rio de Janeiro
Brazil-Ukraine
Argentina-Russia





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