All reports below are courtesy: FIFA.com


Russia and Italy vie for bronze

Thursday 16 October 2008

Saturday’s match for third place at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008 is an all-European affair, with Russia and Italy meeting at the Maracanazinho in Rio de Janeiro to contest the bronze medal.

FIFA.com previews the clash between the 2004 runners-up and Oleg Ivanov’s team.

Russia-Italy, Rio de Janeiro, Saturday 18 October, 10.30 am (local)
The match between Russia and Italy promises to be a free-flowing and entertaining exhibition of futsal. The former, the second-highest scorers at the tournament, take on an Azzurra side renowned for its tactical nous and finesse.

Alessandro Nuccorini’s charges will be seeking to erase the memory of their bitter semi-final defeat by Spain, and round off the tournament on a winning note. Naturally, the same goes for the east Europeans and their star turn, Pula, the competition's leading marksman. The Russians were left to ponder what might have been after their semi-final against Brazil, as a 4-2 defeat barely reflected the true balance of play.

The key to success
The match for third place could well hinge on mental strength. The Italians have just one day to shake off their disappointment from the semi-final, and must somehow rekindle their desire after coming so near to a place in the final. Russia may enjoy a slight psychological edge, as their semi-final loss to the hosts was not entirely unexpected, and occurred in far less dramatic circumstances.

The player
Adriano Foglia was Italy's stand-out performer against Spain, earning his side a second bite at the cherry with a sublime equaliser and energetic all-round display, before agonisingly putting through his own goal in the very last second. The crowd will be watching closely to see how the Italian No10 responds to that cruel twist of fate.

The stat
3 – Saturday will be Russia’s third appearance in the bronze-medal match at the FIFA Futsal World Cup. They defeated Ukraine to claim a podium place at Spain 1996, but went home empty-handed after losing to Portugal four years later.

The words
"We have to turn our attention to the future. I felt pain in my knee in the last minute, but I’ll do my best to help us win the bronze medal," Pula, Russia player

"We’ll be back and we’ll be even stronger. We aim to win the match for third place and show everyone how good we really are." Adriano Foglia, Italy player




Italy clinch bronze

Said Assis's goal 14 seconds from time gave Italy a 2-1 victory in the match for third place of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008.

As early as the first minute, Italy had a good chance to take the lead. Cleyton Baptistella found Jocimar Jubanski and he forced a fine save from Sergey Zuev.

Six minutes later the Italians were celebrating the lead. Adriano Foglia, waltzed through the Russia defence and he fired a shot into the top corner.

Zuev was on hand to deny Assis, Grana and Baptistella in the first half and while Russia hit the post through Vladislav Shayakhmetov, they were somewhat fortunate to go in at half time just one goal behind.

After a slow start to the second half, Russia found themselves level in the 26th minute when Damir Khamadiev played the ball to Konstantin Dushkevich in the box and he turned the ball home.

Khamadiev thought he'd scored seven minutes from time, but his lob clipped the bar. A minute from time, the same player received his marching orders after his second yellow card.

This handed the advantage to the Italians, who gratefully accepted their chance and in the 40th minute, Assis's inch-perfect lob over Zuev handed them the match and third place.






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