Courtesy: Tripoli Post


Libya Thrashed 13-0 By Champions Brazil Who Advance to Last 16

04/11/2012

In Nakhon Ratchasima, reigning World Futsal Champions Brazil were never troubled in their second group match, thrashing Libya 13-0 to qualify for the last 16 of the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand with a game to spare. Brazil were in imperious form as they swept aside Libya, Group C’s underdogs with a display that showed just how determined they are to hold on to their title.

“It was hard to play against the defending champions and there is a big gap between the two teams. When the difference in the scoreline is more than four or five goals, it is very hard to get back into the game,” Libya coach Pablo Prieto said at the end of the game

Libya began the game assuredly but their resistance was finally worn down by a spectacular opener from Gabriel in seven minutes, sent screaming into the top corner following a quick set piece. Seconds later, Rodrgio doubled Brazil’s advantage minute later with a very different type of goal, stealing in unmarked to score from close range, and the same player made it 3-0 shortly after.

Rodrigo showed the other side of his game on 15 minutes, holding the ball up intelligently for Neto to score, and Fernandinho added a fifth with half-time approaching.

The floodgates opened in the second period, with a Mohamed Rahoma own goal, a second for Fernandinho and Je’s first putting Brazil eight ahead with nine minutes still to play. Just eight seconds separated Brazil’s seventh and eighth goals, and another two from the on-song Fernandinho took the score into double figures soon after.

And there was still time for Je to complete his hat-trick and set up Rafael to get into the scoring act before Libya’s misery was complete, as Brazil qualified with a flourish.

Despite knowing beforehand they were a superior side, Brazil's coach, Marcos Sorato said: “It was a match we took seriously from the first minute until the end and that’s why we managed to win tonight by such big margin. I’m happy with the result.

In the other Group C match, Japan produced yet another remarkable comeback – the latest to add to a long list at Thailand 2012 – to draw 5-5 with Portugal and boost their hopes of a place in the last 16. The Portuguese had looked set to claim a place in the knockout phase with a game to spare but both teams will now go into their final Group C matches with their fate in the balance.

In other matches Sunday, Edwin Cubillo produced a magnificent performance, and two superb goals, as Costa Rica battled back from two goals down to beat Paraguay 6-3 in Group A.

In the other Group A game, despite a predictably partisan atmosphere in Bangkok, Ukraine defeated Thailand 5-3 in Group A to move top of the section. It followed a barrage of first half goals from Ukraine at the Huamark Indoor Stadium.






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