All articles posted are courtesy: UEFA.com

Early relief for Spain and Italy

Wednesday 1 October 2008

FIFA Futsal World Cup holders Spain needed to come back from 3-0 down to hold Iran 3-3 in the opening fixture of their title defence in Brazil while 2004 runners-up Italy claimed a narrow 1-0 win against Thailand.

Spain comeback
Iran are the dominant force in Asia but it was still a surprise when they raced into a comfortable half-time lead through Mohammad Taheri, Vahid Shamsaee and Ali Hassanzadeh. But Jordi Torras pulled one back two minutes into the second period and on the half-hour Borja, having gone close on several occasions, produced a strong finish. Spain continued to press and with four minutes remaining Torras completed the comeback though Iran held on for a point. The other Group D opener in Rio de Janeiro also finished 3-3 between Uruguay and Spain's next opponents Libya. The Czech Republic enter the fray on Friday against Uruguay.

Grana winner
Italy are also playing in Rio de Janeiro in Group B but required a 15th-minute Nando Grana penalty to see off Thailand. Italy now face the United States, who lost 5-0 to Paraguay, the first opponents for Portugal. The other two European teams begin their fixtures in the second tranche of matches in Brasilia. Russia, in Group A, meet Cuba, who beat the Solomon Islands 10-2 while hosts Brazil saw off Japan 12-1. Ukraine's Group C campaign starts against Guatemala, 1-0 winners against Egypt as Argentina defeated China 5-0.




European contenders claim clean sweep

Friday 3 October 2008

All six European contenders have now played at the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil and each registered victory in the latest set of matches.

Spain on track
Only holders Spain and 2004 runners-up Italy played on the opening two days, the champions drawing 3-3 with Iran and the Azzurri defeating Thailand 1-0. But Spain ensured a maximum haul from their second game in Rio de Janeiro as they beat Libya 3-0 thanks to goals by Javi Rodríguez, Álvaro and Daniel. Also in Group D, the Czech Republic kicked off with a hard-fought 4-1 win against Uruguay. Roman Mareš's eighth-minute goal as cancelled out before the break by Seba, but Tomáš Sluka and Zdeněk Sláma restored control for Tomáš Neumann's side and David Filinger converted a late double penalty to boost confidence ahead of their meeting with Spain on Sunday.

Arnaldo heroics
In the same city, Italy overcame the United States 6-1 to move clear in Group B. Andy Rosenband put the US ahead on five minutes but Sandro Zanetti quickly equalised and in the last eight minutes Patrick Nora edged Italy in front, Nando Grana made the most of a double penalty, as did Saad Assis after Edgar Bertoni had found the target. Portugal, who face Italy on Saturday, made a winning start after Arnaldo struck two minutes from time to beat Paraguay 3-2. Pedro Costa and Arnaldo had scored early in each half only for José Rotella and René Villalba to swiftly level.

Russia strike ten
Over in Brasilia, Russia and Ukraine both picked up three points ahead of tough weekend fixtures. Russia, who take on the hosts in Group A on Saturday, defeated Cuba 10-5. Yosniel Mesa's own goal, Vladislav Shayakhmetov, Konstantin Maevski, Dmitri Prudnikov and Cirilo put Russia 5-0 up in the first nine minutes. Further strikes from Damir Khamadiev, Sirilo, Shayakhmetov and two late Pula efforts ensured a Mesa hat-trick at the right end was in vain. Brazil, having already beaten Japan 12-1, overcame the Solomon Islands 21-0.

Ukraine start well
Ukraine, taking on 2004 semi-finalists Argentina on Sunday, saw off Guatemala 6-2. Valeriy Zamyatin claimed the only goal of the first half and although Estuardo de León equalised, Serhiy Cheporniuk restored Ukraine's advantage, Yevgen Rogachov struck twice in quick succession and after Erick Acevedo reduced arrears, Mykhaylo Romanov and Valeriy Legchanov confirmed the win. Argentina lead Group C having beaten China 5-0 and Egypt 4-2




Spain and Italy make strides

Sunday 5 October 2008

Spain and Italy got the better of the Czech Republic and Portugal in the two all-European ties in the FIFA Futsal World Cup first group stage and Ukraine played out a thrilling draw against Argentina but Russia lost heavily to Brazil.

Grana double
Italy had won their opening two games going into their meeting with Portugal, who had opened their Group B campaign in Rio de Janeiro with a dramatic 3-2 defeat of Paraguay. The Azzurri and Portugal had drawn 0-0 in both the 2004 World Cup and 2007 UEFA European Futsal Championship but Nando Grana broke the deadlock this time with a 16th-minute double penalty. He scored again with six minutes left and Saad Assis made it three before Ricardinho's late consolation. Italy, who sit out the next set of fixtures, are now six points clear Portugal, Thailand and Paraguay. Portugal now play the United States, without a point after losing 5-3 to Thailand.

Spain prevail
In Group D, holders Spain had four points from two games ahead of their match against the Czech Republic, 4-1 victors against Uruguay in their opener. Javi Rodríguez put Spain in front in the eighth seconds and within three minutes of the interval Marcelo scored twice, either side of a Daniel penalty, for a 4-0 win. Spain, who sit out Matchday 4, are four points clear of the second-placed Czech Republic., who now face a Libya team fresh from losing 4-2 to Iran.

Russia beaten
Over in Brasilia, Russia defeated Cuba 10-5 in their first Group A game but knew meeting a Brazil team with 33 goals from two matches would be tough. And so it proved as the hosts won 7-0, including goals from Spain-based stars Schumacher, Ciço and Vinicius Elías. Japan beat Russia's Monday opponents the Solomon Islands 7-2 and are now level with Oleg Ivanov's side and Cuba on three points, six behind Brazil who have played a game more.

Dramatic draw
Ukraine looked like they would also suffer defeat to one of South America's two 2004 semi-finalists when Leandro Planas gave Argentina the lead with eight minutes left. But in the last two minutes Dmytro Ivanov and Serhiy Cheporniuk struck to give Ukraine the lead only for Diego Giustozzi to make it 2-2 at the death. Ukraine are three points behind Argentina, with a game a hand against Egypt on Tuesday. Egypt, like Guatemala, are one point back after beating China 6-2.




Record win boosts Russia bid

Tuesday 7 October 2008

Victories for Russia, Portugal, Ukraine and the Czech Republic ensured that all six of Europe's FIFA Futsal World Cup entrants go into the final set of first group stage fixtures with a good chance of progress in Brazil.

Pula record
The top two teams in each pool go into the eight-strong second group stage but all four of the UEFA members in action in the fourth set of matches needed good results after suffering weekend setbacks. In Group A Russia had to recover from a 7-0 defeat by leaders Brazil and they did so in style with a Futsal World Cup record 31-2 win against the Solomon Islands. Russia led 20-0 at the break and Pula top scored with a competition best nine goals followed by six for Cirilo, five by Damir Khamadiev, four from Vladisla Shayakhmetov and two apiece by Dmitry Prudnikov and Konstantin Maevskiy and Konstantin Agapov; Nikolay Pereverzev and Marat Azizov were also on the scoresheet. Japan beat Cuba 4-1 but are third on goal difference behind Russia, who need only draw in their decisive meeting on Wednesday. Brazil have ensured first place whatever their result against Cuba.

Portugal victory
In the other group concluding tomorrow, Italy and Portugal occupy the top two places. Italy, with three wins following their 3-1 defeat of Portugal, sat out this set of games. That allowed Portugal to move to within three points with an 8-1 win against the United States. Leitão struck twice in the first 163 seconds and after the break completed his hat-trick, with Gonçalo, Arnaldo, Jardel, Bibi and Cardinal also on target. Paraguay beat Thailand 8-0 but trail Portugal on head-to-head record following their dramatic 3-2 defeat last week. On Wednesday, Italy face Paraguay and Portugal take on Thailand, who cannot qualify.

Ukraine top
There are also European leaders in Group C thanks to Ukraine's 5-1 win against Egypt. Knowing a win by four would lift them above Argentina on goal difference following their weekend 2-2 draw, Ukraine had an eighth-minute Sameh Saleh own goal to thank for their opener but Valeriy Legchanov added a double penalty before the break. Dmytro Ivanov made it three and although Mizo pulled one back, Sergiy Cheporniuk's penalty and Valeriy Zamyatin's strike three minutes from time took Ukraine to the summit and they only need a draw on Thursday against China, without a point after being beaten 10-1 by Guatemala. In any case, Ukraine could only go out if they are beaten and Argentina lose against Guatemala but go ahead on goal difference.

Czech boost
Group D will also finish on Thursday and unusually a European side is outside the top two. The Czech Republic were aiming to recover from a 4-0 loss to Spain and beat Libya 4-2, but are a point behind the holders and Thursday opponents Iran after the Asian champions earned an identical win against Uruguay, though the margin was not enough to take them top on goal difference. Michal Mareš's seventh-minute penalty put the Czech Republic ahead against Liyba and Marek Kopecký doubled the lead before Yousef Mohamed pulled one back before the break and Mohamed Rahoma equalised in the 24th minute. Martín Dlouhý soon restored the Czech advantage and Tomáš Sluka settled matters late on. However, the Czech Republic must defeat unbeaten Iran on Thursday while Spain know only that result, coupled with a big loss against Uruguay, could end their title defence.




Quartet through as Czechs and Portugal fall

Friday 10 October 2008

Spain, Italy, Ukraine and Russia are through to the FIFA Futsal World Cup second group stage – but Portugal and the Czech Republic are out.

Mixed fortunes
All six European contenders in Brazil were in with a chance of being among the eight teams to go through, by finishing in the top two of their groups. Yet while victories ensured the progress of holders Spain, Russia and Ukraine, the Czech Republic lost a game they needed to win against Iran and although Portugal defeated Thailand, they were ousted in a three-way tie after Italy were beaten 4-2 by Paraguay, a result that took both teams through.

Kamadiev hat-trick
Russia were the first European team to ensure their continued presence in the finals by beating Japan 9-1. Only requiring a draw, Russia took an early lead through Dmitri Prudnikov and two Damir Khamadiev goals made it 3-0 at the break. Kamadiev took 23 further seconds to complete his hat-trick and within three minutes Konstantin Agapov scored, Pula claimed his tournament-leading 12th finals goal and Konstantim Maevskiy increased the lead. Yuri Kanayama pulled one back but Prudnikov and Vladislav Shayakhmetov completed the scoring. Brazil finished top of Group A with a 9-0 win against Cuba.

Portugal fall
In the other pool to finish on Wednesday, Italy finished second to move into the same group as Brazil after their loss to Paraguay. Sandro Zanetti gave Italy and early lead and although José Rotella equalised, José Luis Santander's own goal put the Azzurri 2-1 up at the break. That was good news for Portugal, but what happened after the break was a disaster as Fabio Alcaraz, René Villalba and Rotella gave Paraguay a 4-2 win which left them top. Portugal could not go through as they had only beaten Paraguay 3-2 and lost 3-1 to Italy, even though Orlando Duarte's side beat Thailand 3-2 with a Rotella goal two seconds from time. Earlier goals by Arnaldo and Israel had been cancelled out by Eekapong Suratsawang and Panuwat Janta. Duarte said: "All our hard work has been in vain."

Ukraine through
On Thursday, Ukraine ensured they topped Group C by beating China 4-2, finishing on goal difference above Argentina, 2-1 victors against Guatemala. Hu Jie put China ahead late in the first half but Valeriy Zamyatin equalised just before the interval and scored again in the 33rd minute. Il'Dar Makayev and a Hu own goal increased the Ukraine advantage before Zheng Tao's consolation.

Czechs pipped
The tasks were different for Spain and the Czech Republic in Group D. While Spain only needed a draw against Uruguay, and won 3-0 through a Javi Rodríguez goal late in the first half and two Fernando efforts just after the interval, the Czech Republic fell to Asian champions Iran – who held the champions 3-3 earlier in the competition. Jan Janovský and Martin Dlouhý cancelled out goals by Ali Hassanzadeh and Vahid Shamsaee, but they could not force a winner and with 27 seconds left Hassanzadeh rolled the ball into an empty net to ensure a 3-2 Iran victory. "We played well but it just wasn't our day," said Czech player David Fric.

Second round
Iran finished below Spain on goal difference so the holders avoid Brazil and are in Group F with Russia – who they play on Saturday – Paraguay and Argentina. Ukraine and 2004 runners-up Italy are in Group E, and also meet first up, before facing Brazil and Iran. Those games are on Sunday and Tuesday, leading to the semi-finals two days later and the deciding games next weekend.



Spain and Italy beat old rivals

Saturday 11 October 2008

Spain and Italy got the better of European rivals Russia and Ukraine on the opening day of the FIFA Futsal World Cup second group stage.

Late surge
Holders Spain, aiming for a hat-trick of World Cups, took a 13th-minute lead against Russia in Brasilia via Álvaro but Dmitry Prudnikov equalised before the break and Konstantin Maeskiy struck to make it 2-1 to Oleg Ivanov's side. However, Jordi Torras levelled with nine minutes left, Daniel converted a penalty and Javi Rodríguez and Spain goalkeeper Luis Amado both struck into an empty net from long range late on to secure a 5-2 win. Spain's next Group F opponents Argentina were held 3-3 by Paraguay, who meet Russia on Sunday.

Italy win
While Spain beat Russia in the 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship final, Italy beat Ukraine to take the title two years earlier and the 2004 World Cup runners-up confirmed that form with a 4-0 Group E win. It was level at the break but Patrick Nora and Marcio Forte both scored twice after half-time in Rio de Janiero. Italy now take on hosts Brazil, 1-0 victors against Iran with a goal from Interviú Madrid's Schumacher.




Spain progress amid Russian relief

Sunday 12 October 2008

Holders Spain are through to Thursday's the FIFA Futsal World Cup semi-finals and Russia are well positioned to join them after a dramatic last-second win against Paraguay on Sunday, as Italy were beaten and Ukraine eliminated.

Holders progress
Spain beat Russia 5-2 on Saturday in Brasilia and were taking on an Argentina side held 3-3 by Paraguay, meaning they knew a win would take them into the last four from Group F. Fernandão put Spain ahead on 15 minutes and although Hernán Garcías equalised two seconds before the break, Ortiz struck not long after the interval to secure a 2-1 victory.

Dramatic win
Russia were then involved in a pulsating game. Pula and Vladislav Shayakhmetov made it 2-0 late in the first half but just before the interval Konstantin Maevski was sent off for conceding a penalty converted by José Rotella and Fábio Alcaraz levelled early in the second period. By then Cirilo had been forced off injured and Alcaraz scored again only for Pula to instantly equalise with a penalty. Pula then completed his hat-trick with his tournament-leading 15th goal for the finals and although Alcaraz responded in kind just 109 seconds from the end, Shayakhmetov secured a 5-4 win just before time expired. A win against Argentina on Tuesday would take Russia into their first World Cup semi-final since 1996 and a draw would be enough if Spain do not lose to Paraguay.

Brazil beat Italy
Things did not go Europe's way in Group E in Rio de Janeiro. Italy, having beaten Ukraine 4-0 on Saturday, lost 3-0 to Brazil, with Interviú Madrid player Schumacher scoring to add to his goal that beat Iran. The Asian champions are now behind Tuesday opponents Italy only on goal difference after a 5-4 win against Ukraine that ensured Brazil's progress.

Ukraine out
Il'Dar Makayev and Serhiy Cheporniuk gave Ukraine a 2-0 lead early on but the match turned with two Vahid Shamsaee strikes either side of a Fedir Pylypiv own goal. Mohammad Taheri made it 4-2 on 15 minutes and although Oleksandr Khursov swiftly pulled one back, Taheri converted a double penalty just before the break. Makayev's goal with three minutes left could not save Ukraine from a 5-4 defeat and elimination but does mean that Italy need only draw with Iran rather than win.



Italy set up Spain rematch in Brazil

Tuesday 14 October 2008

Holders Spain will meet 2004 runners-up Italy and former European champions Russia are to take on hosts Brazil in the FIFA Futsal World Cup semi-finals after winning their way through from the second group stage.

Bertoni heroics
With one minute left of their decisive game against Asian champions Iran, who previously ousted the Czech Republic, Italy were themselves heading for elimination. But 51 seconds from time Edgar Bertoni made the score 5-5 to give Italy the draw they needed. Nando Grana had put Italy 2-0 up early on and although Masoud Daneshvar and Ebrahaim Masoudi had levelled the scores, Patrick Nora gave Italy a half-time lead. However, goes from Mohammed Hashemzadeh and Ali Hassanzadeh turned the game and Fabiano Assad's equaliser seemed to be in vain when Daneshvar struck with four and a half minutes left. However, Bertoni had the final word.

Final rematch
Italy finished second in Group E behind Brazil, who beat already-eliminated Ukraine 5-3 with a Falcão hat-trick. Valeriy Zamyatin had scored first on 64 seconds and Mkthaylo Romanov found the target late in each half for Ukraine. As a result, in Thursday's semi-finals in Rio de Janeiro, Italy face Group F winners Spain in a rematch of the last World Cup and UEFA European Futsal Championship finals and Brazil will take on Russia, who they defeated 7-0 in the first group stage.

Russia oust Argentina
Spain took top spot in their group with maximum points after defeating Paraguay 4-1. Álvaro and Fernandão scored early in each half to keep the holders on course for a third straight title despite Fábio Alcaraz's penalty six minutes from time as Fernandão struck twice more late on. Russia only needed a draw against Argentina and although they fell behind to a fifth-minute Martin Amas goal, Konstantin Dushkevich equalised before the break and Dmitri Prudnikov converted a penalty just past the half-hour. Esteban González made it 2-2 with four minutes left but 2004 semi-finalists Argentina are out.




Russia dream ended by Brazil

Thursday 16 October 2008

Russia are out of the FIFA Futsal World Cup after a semi-final defeat by hosts Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil prevail
Brazil had beaten Russia 7-0 in the first group stage and although they led by two after eight minutes today, this was a much tighter affair. However, both times Russia reduced arrears, Brazil acted swiftly to restore their cushion and they will aim for a fourth title in Sunday's final against holders Spain. The day before, Russia will attempt to improve on their previous best finish of fourth in 1996 when they meet Italy for third place.

Early goals
Interviú Madrid player Schumacher shot Brazil ahead in the fourth minute, and Falcão soon doubled the advantage. Russia were unbowed, however, and deserved to pull one back on 18 minutes through Brazilian-born Pula – his 16th goal of the competition moving him above Falcão in the tournament rankings. But within 41 seconds, ElPozo Murcia FS's Vinicius Elías had made it 3-1.

Gabriel clincher
Damir Khamadiev renewed Russian hope six minutes into the second half after being set up by Vladislav Shayakhmetov, and now Brazil were under serious pressure. However, they ensured their reached their fifth final in six editions of the competition late on when Lenisio tackled Pula and sent Interviú's Gabriel clear to score. Russia coach Oleg Ivanov said: "My players gave it their best shot, but unfortunately it's ended 4-2 to Brazil. We've lost, but I'm still very pleased with my team."




Spain pip Italy in epic semi-final

Thursday 16 October 2008

Spain will play Brazil on Sunday in the FIFA Futsal World Cup final after the holders edged out Italy 3-2 at the end of extra time in Rio de Janeiro.

Dramatic finish
Italy were hoping to reverse losses to Spain in the 2004 World Cup and 2007 UEFA European Futsal Championship finals and despite trailing in both normal time and the extra ten minutes, they produced equalisers. But in a dramatic ending, Italy's Adriano Foglia put through his own goal with virtually the last kick of the game.

Foglia heartbreak
The Azzurri were behind after five minutes to a Daniel goal but Foglia struck a deserved equaliser early in the second half. It seemed Spain would prevail in extra time when Fernandão scored late in the first period, only for Nando Grana – on as flying goalkeeper – to find the target with 104 seconds remaining. However, as time ran out, the ball hit Foglia and deflected into the Italy goal and the officials ruled that the last second had not expired.

Fourth straight final
While Italy face Russia for third place on Saturday, 24 hours later Spain will play in their fourth straight final. In 1996, as hosts, they lost 6-4 to Brazil but Spain gained revenge four years later in Guatemala with a 4-3 victory and last time out in Chinese Taipei they beat Italy 2-1. Furthermore, Brazil knocked Spain out in the 1989 group stage with a final-day 4-1 win and the 1992 semi-finals, while the latter result was reversed in the same round last time, meaning in the history of these competition these teams have never been knocked out by any other side.




Timely Italy clinch World Cup bronze

Saturday 18 October 2008

A last-minute goal by Saad Assis ensured Italy beat Russia 2-1 to take third place at the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil.

Assis winner
Adriano Foglia, whose last-second extra-time on goal on Thursday condemned Italy to a 3-2 semi-final defeat by Spain, had a happier day as he opened the scoring on seven minutes in Rio de Janeiro. Vladislav Shayakhmetov hit the post before the break but Russia were level early in the second half when Damir Khamadiev set up Konstantin Dushkevich. Khamadiev hit the crossbar, but Shayakhmetov was sent off for a second booking 90 seconds from the end and with time almost expired Assis lobbed Russia goalkeeper Sergey Zuev to clinch victory to give Italy a bronze medal to add to their 2004 silver.

'Deserved' medal
Italy coach Alessandro Nuccorini said: "We put in a great performance and the players got the bronze medal that they deserved." Russia's Oleg Ivanov added: "In 2004, Russia did not qualify for the World Cup, and now we are in the top four. That underlines the development of Russian futsal. We played some excellent matches against strong teams such as Brazil, Argentina and Italy." Brazil, who knocked Russia out in the semi-finals, play Spain for the trophy on Sunday.





Brazil relieve Spain of futsal world title

Sunday 19 October 2008

Spain's hold on the FIFA Futsal World Cup is over after a 4-3 penalty shoot-out success gave Brazil victory in the final in Rio de Janeiro following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

Brazil's fourth title
No host nation had won the previous five editions of the tournament; Brazil beat Spain in Barcelona in 1996 to clinch their third title, and the European side then went on to gain revenge in Guatemala in 2000 before defeating Italy four years later in Chinese Taipei. Brazil twice had leads cancelled out in normal time, the second near the end by Álvaro, but two saves from second-string goalkeeper and penalty specialist Franklin in the shoot-out ended Spain's bid for a third straight success.

Familiar foes
These two sides were certainly familiar with each other; seven of the 12-strong Brazil team represent Spanish clubs Interviú Madrid and ElPozo Murcia FS, who between them provided 15 of the 24 players involved in the final. Therefore it was unsurprising the game was tight between two teams unbeaten in three years since each defeated the other in a two-game friendly series in Brazil in December 2005. Brazil captain Vinicius Elías of Murcia was denied by Interviú goalkeeper Luis Amado in the hosts' best first-half chance while at the other end Andreu headed wide.

Timely Álvaro
The first breakthrough for Brazil came just over four minutes into the second half when a Marquinho corner deflected in off the face of Interviú colleague Borja. Spain were soon level through a superb Jordi Torras strike from the left, but after a superb double save with four minutes left by Amado, Vinicius struck to delight the home crowd. However, Álvaro's opportunist close-range strike 92 seconds from the end forced extra time and just as when these teams met in the 2004 semi-finals, the game went to penalties.

Shoot-out
Brazil placed substitute Franklin in goal for the shoot-out and he saved Spain's third kick from Torras but with Ari stepping up to give the hosts an unassailable 5-3 lead, Amado blocked. However, Franklin then denied Brazil-born Marcelo to give the home nation their fourth world crown. Having missed out on a hat-trick of World Cups, Spain will now aim to secure a third consecutive UEFA European Futsal Championship in Hungary in January 2010, with qualifying next March.




Spain stalwart Rodríguez's pride in defeat

Sunday 19 October 2008

Spain captain Javi Rodríguez was in sanguine mood after his fourth FIFA Futsal World Cup final ended the same way as his first – with defeat by Brazil.

Four finals, two wins
A 4-3 penalty shoot-out reverse in Rio de Janeiro ended Spain's reign as holders after a 2-2 draw. Rodríguez had suffered a loss against Brazil in the 1996 decider in Barcelona, but scored two late double penalties four years later to gain revenge as Spain won 4-3 against the same opponents in Guatemala and they repeated that success last time against Italy. A third title was not to be but Rodríguez, who has also won three UEFA European Futsal Championships, was in reflective mood.

Pride
"I'm sad we lost, of course, but I'm happy to have played in yet another final," Rodríguez told fifa.com. "I've played in four World Cups, appeared in four finals and won two, and I think we should be proud of taking Brazil all the way to penalties. It was as close as we expected it to be but both sides had a lot of respect for each other. Brazil just had to win today, I suppose, because you always have an extra gear when you're playing in front of your own fans. We went out and played our own game and tried not to run around after them, although maybe we could have been a bit more attack-minded. Sometimes, though, you just have to adapt to things the way they turn out. I think we are the best two teams in the world and we showed that out there today. "

Pula honour
Meanwhile, there was consolation for Russia striker Pula despite his side's 2-1 loss in Saturday's third-place match against Italy, as he finished the top scorer with 16 goals, the first non-Brazil player to do so since Vic Hermans in the inaugural tournament of 1989. Falcão, who failed to score in the final to finish one short of Pula, did retain one of his personal titles from 2004 as he again won the Golden Ball as player of the tournament.






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