Courtesy: FIFA.com


Italy beat Colombia to bag bronze

Italy have finished third at Thailand 2012 after a 3-0 win over Colombia in the bronze-medal match at Bangkok’s Huamark Stadium. Goals from Sergio Romano and Rodolfo Fortino (2) were enough to secure a well-deserved win for Roberto Menichelli’s side, who would undoubtedly have won by more had it not been for the heroics of Los Cafateros’ goalkeeper, Juan Lozano.

The game quickly settled into the expected pattern, with Italy dominating and Colombia relying on their now customary containing, counter-attacking tactics. The South Americans were also leaning heavily, as always, on Lozano, who made a string of fine early saves from Alex Merlim, Saad Assis and Marco Ercolessi
There were also glorious first-half chances for Italy’s Gabriel Lima and Alejandro Serna of Colombia, but both shared the same fate, with neither keeper called into action as the ball was directed wide of the target.

It wasn’t long before Lozano was back in action though, and three times in the opening seven minutes of the second half he produced truly magnificent saves to keep out goal-bound efforts from Assis, Lima and Sergio Romano.

It was clear that it was going to require something special to beat a goalkeeper in inspired form, and Romano provided that moment of magic eight minutes into the second half. Loitering midway inside the Colombia half, he met flush on the volley a chipped corner from Assis and sent the ball rocketing beyond the helpless Lozano.

Worse was to follow for Los Cafateros four minutes later when the brilliant Lozano was sent off for handling outside his area and, in doing so, denying the Italians a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Gli Azzurri took full advantage of the numerical advantage, doubling their lead a minute later when Fortino slotted home left-footed from an incisive pass by Lima, and rounding off the win in the dying seconds with another close-range finish from the same player.

The quotes
“I must congratulate Colombia because they played a great match and didn’t give us any space in which to work. The key for us was in remaining patient because the way they defend means that going for all-out for a goal would have left us very vulnerable to the counter-attack. Naturally, we are very satisfied by finishing third at this tournament. For us, it was important – and a source of great pride – that we have finished as the second-ranked European team after Spain. There are some great teams that haven’t managed to finish as highly as we have,”
Roberto Menichelli, Italy coach.

“Things were pretty equal in the first half, but we paid for one lapse of concentration in the second half. After the red card for our goalkeeper, everything was easier for Italy. But I have told my players to keep their heads up because they have been great representatives of Colombian futsal. We hope to be back in four years’ time,”
Arney Fonnegra, Colombia coach.



Courtesy: FIFA.com


Brazil retain crown in dramatic final

Brazil have retained the FIFA Futsal World Cup in a thrilling final in which they came from behind to beat Spain 3-2 after extra time at Bangkok’s Huamark Indoor Stadium. A double from Neto and a stunning equalising goal from Falcao enabled the South Americans to keep hold of their trophy, with Neto’s winner coming just 19 second from the end.

Despite the excitement that ultimately unfolded, it was perhaps predictable that we did not witness an open, free-flowing and incident-packed first half, with the teams’ evident mutual respect contributing to some tense, tactical opening exchanges. Spain, though, enjoyed marginally the better of the opening period, and would have gone in front after just five minutes but for a Vinicius goal-line clearance that prevented Lozano’s low shot from finding the net.

Miguelin then forced Tiago into a a point-blank reaction save four minutes later, while Brazil’s best effort of the half came when a Rafael shot deflected off Kike and spun just over the crossbar. Naturally, being outplayed for most of the opening period called for drastic action from the Auriverde coach, Marcos Sorato, and he provided that with the introduction of the team’s aging talisman, Falcao.

Brazil were immediately lifted by the 35-year-old’s presence, and came close to taking the lead when Falcao himself sent a left-foot shot flashing wide of the far post. Seconds later, the breakthrough did arrive. It was a goal worthy of a final too, with Neto – positioned wide on the left - meeting first time a short corner and blasting an unstoppable left-foot shot low across goal and inside the far post.

Stung into action, Spain attempted to claw back the initiative, and Tiago twice had to race from his goal to save at the feet of Fernandao as pressure was applied. With ten minutes remaining, that pressure paid off as Torras pounced on a rebound to fire home after Miguelin’s initial left-foot effort had been parried brilliantly by Tiago.

Spanish tails were up again and, just 61 seconds later, they scored a second. Again, a set piece situation proved crucial, with Alemao firing in a shot from a short corner that took a slight deflection on its way to beating Tiago at his near post. Spain might have won it too when Torras rattled the face of the crossbar from a quickly-taken Kike free-kick, but that near miss was to take on added significance just a minute later.

That was when we were treated to the fairy tale goal that all Brazilian and neutral fans had wanted to see, with Falcao – taking advantage of space provided by his team moving to five outfield players – unleashing a ferocious long-range shot that was destined for the top corner from the moment it left his left boot. Juanjo didn’t even move.

Falcao's strike also ensured that the match would go to extra time, where another stunning goal - scored with just 19 seconds remaining - won the trophy for Brazil. This time, it was Neto who took the spotlight, flicking the ball over his marker’s challenge on the halfway line, racing down the win and rifling a low left-foot shot into the far corner.

It was a goal worthy of gracing any stage, and while Brazil head for home as deserved champions, both sides deserve huge credit for serving up a feast of futsal that was the best possible advert for the sport.

The quotes
“It was a great final and it showed that futsal deserves more attention. It was an attractive match and the fans were on their feet until the final moments. We had to fight until the end and even when Spain scored, but we believed in ourselves as the Argentina match was a good lesson for us. I never stopped believing in the capabilities of my players. It was a dream final,”
Marcos Sorato, Brazil coach.

“Firstly, I want to congratulate Brazil. I believe though that we were the ones taking the risks and dictating the pace of the game, and I believe we deserved a different result. But that's how sport is. We had a 2-1 lead and the chance of scoring a third goal, but we didn’t take it and, next thing, they equalised. This group of players has given everything, and for that I am very thankful,”
Venancio Lopez, Spain coach.




Courtesy: FIFA.com


Thrills aplenty as Brazil are crowned

Sunday 18 November 2012

The FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012 came to a thrilling and fitting climax in a dramatic final between the two powerhouses of the sport, with Brazil - already the world's most successful futsal nation - edging out Spain and successfully defending the global crown they won in 2008.

The South Americans literally struck in the final minute to win the encounter at Bangkok's Huamark Indoor Stadium 3-2, match-winner Neto scoring the conclusive goal 19 seconds from the end. Brazil thus add a fifth world title to their previous triumphs in 1989, 1992, 1996 and 2008.

In the match for third place, Italy claimed the final podium berth with a 3-0 victory over Colombia. There were no goals in the first half, but the Europeans roared off the blocks after the restart and wrapped it up with a double strike from Rodolfo Fortino and a glorious third from Sergio Romano.

Results

Final
Spain 2-3 Brazil (aet)

Match for third place
Italy 3-0 Colombia

Goal of the day
Spain-Brazil, Falcao, 36:13
In his third FIFA Futsal World Cup final appearance for Brazil, Falcao proved his worth like never before. With the clock ticking down in normal time, the South Americans were trailing 2-1 and throwing everything at the Spanish. It fell to Brazil's figurehead to equalise with a precise 12-yard drive. The goal three minutes from time brought A Seleção back into a match they seemed destined to lose, re-energising the team to survive the remaining seconds and lay the foundation for their eventual triumph.

Memorable moments

Last-gasp Neto
The final between Brazil and Spain appeared destined for a shootout, but Brazil's Neto had other ideas and conjured up a memorable goal in the dying seconds. The striker accepted a diagonal pass on the left flank and lifted the ball past his marker, before rifling home a drive from the left-hand channel. That made the score a title-winning 3-2 and transformed the Huamark Indoor Stadium into a boiling cauldron of noise.

Relaxed Spaniards
Prior to the final in the Thai capital, the Spanish players could be seen relaxing in the stands as they watched the match for third place. Captain Kike and his men were visibly enjoying the Italy-Colombia clash before eventually heading off to the dressing room to start warming up midway through the second half.

Sad send-off
Juan Lozano was Colombia's man of the match, producing a string of brilliant saves to leave the Italian strikers shaking their heads in disbelief, and rescuing his side from disaster on countless occasions. But fate turned on the keeper in the 32nd minute, as he attempted to intercept a speculative long pass, only for the ball to strike his hand outside the area. The referee was left with no option but to brandish the red card, prompting Lozano to burst into tears. But his sad departure from the pitch turned into a triumphal march, as the crowd rose to applaud the top-class keeper, chanting his name and high-fiving him as he trudged past. It was surely some consolation for the premature end to his appearance.

Passionate full house
There could hardly have been a more appropriate set of ingredients for the FIFA Futsal World Cup final, as two skilled teams served up a thrilling and technically absorbing contest for the passionate capacity crowd. When Spain took a timeout shortly before the interval, a spontaneous Mexican wave filled the arena with colour and noise, as the crowd’s enthusiasm and love for the game produced an atmosphere worthy of a world final.

Stat of the day
152 – With their victory over Spain in the final, Brazil have extended a remarkable record, as they are now undefeated in their last 152 games. Their last defeat was in a friendly as long ago as 8 December 2005, ironically enough against the Spanish.

The quote
"Honestly, that was the last bit of energy I had! I think that both teams were already mentally preparing for penalty kicks, but I thought, ‘Why not have one last go at getting something?’ Thank God it worked out," Neto on his winning goal.




Courtesy: FIFA.com


Neto heads list of award winners

Sunday 18 November 2012

After 18 thrilling days packed with skill, goals and emotional extremes, Brazil were crowned champions at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012. That also meant the moment arrived for the individual honours to the top players at the global showdown.

adidas Golden Ball: Neto (BRA)
adidas Silver Ball: Kike (ESP)
adidas Bronze Ball: Ricardinho (POR)

Neto was indisputably the most complete player at the tournament in Thailand. In his second appearance at a FIFA Futsal World Cup, the 31-year-old not only showed his predatory instinct with seven goals, but also demonstrated vision in picking out better-placed team-mates, and precision in releasing them into good positions. The man in the number 11 shirt crowned an excellent tournament with two goals in the final against Spain, contributing substantially to a fifth world title for his country. The Golden Ball was a fitting reward for seven fine performances which thrilled the crowds in Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Asked by FIFA.com if he was surprised to receive the award, Neto said: "Yes, it was a surprise - mainly because I’m a defender and we defenders don’t tend to get these awards. I’m actually pleased to see Kike in there too and have two defenders as part of the top three. To win something like this was beyond my dreams and ambitions, and it just adds to this being the best day of my life."

Spain's Kike claimed the adidas Silver Ball. The Furia Roja captain won over both the FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG) and accredited media representatives at the tournament for his outstanding performance in spearheading Spain's drive to the final. The 32-year-old was the fulcrum of coach Venancio Lopez’ team, as he proved his versatility with fine play both in defence and attack. An intelligent reader of the game, he was an automatic choice in Spain's starting formation.

As ever, he was modest in assessing the contribution that had led to him receiving the award. "To me, any individual recognition in a collective sport is relative," he said. "To me its a recognition for the whole team."

Portugal were knocked out by Italy in the last eight, but in the five matches he played in Thailand, Ricardinho oozed class on the ball. In his second FIFA Futsal World Cup appearance, the 1.67m man showed off an array of technical skills in attack, but also proved a resolute battler and tough tackler in defence. He finished with seven goals and three assists, rounding out a fine overall showing at the tournament and earning him the adidas Bronze Ball.

adidas Golden Boot: Eder Lima (RUS)
adidas Silver Boot: Rodolfo Fortino (ITA)
adidas Bronze Boot: Fernandinho (BRA)

Eder Lima was the top scorer at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012. The Brazilian-born Russia striker scored nine times in Thailand, seven of his goals coming in a 16-0 romp against the Solomon Islands in the group stage. The 28-year-old added another to his total in a 9-0 victory over Guatemala, and he completed his tally against Czech Republic in the last sixteen with the opening goal for his team.

Rodolfo Fortino and Fernandinho came second and third in the scoring charts on eight and seven goals respectively. Italy's Fortino was a revelation in Thailand, showing flashes of real class in the course of the tournament and, with the exception of the semi-final meeting with Spain, scoring at least once in every match. He also contributed three assists.

Brazil star Fernandinho got his name on the scoresheet in both the group matches he contested, and also prompted South American joy in the knockout phase. He paved the way against Panama in the Round of 16, later completing a brace in the 16-0 goalfest. He was the top provider of the tournament with eight assists, and came away with the Bronze Boot.

adidas Golden Glove: Stefano Mammarella (ITA)
Italy keeper Stefano Mammarella had two reasons to celebrate on the last day of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012, because he was named best keeper at the tournament to go with the bronze medal won by his national team. The 28-year-old was indeed outstanding throughout the event, conclusively demonstrating that there is far more to goalkeeping than merely making saves. The Nazionale No1 performed a playmaking role for his team with excellent distribution from the back and a keen eye for initiating dangerous attacking moves.

"I have great emotions," he told FIFA.com after picking up his award. "As soon as I knew that I had been named the best goalkeeper, I couldn’t stop the tears. To win the Golden Glove award is great, and I want to thank everyone who believed in me."

FIFA Fair Play Award: Argentina
By way of consolation for their unlucky quarter-final elimination in a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Brazil, Argentina deservedly won the award for the exemplary behaviour of all team members in the course of the tournament. La Albiceleste showed their opponents impeccable respect and acted as role models for young spectators both in victory and defeat.

FIFA makes this award based on evaluations by members of the Technical Study Group (TSG), who undertake a detailed analysis of national team members’ behaviour on and off the pitch. The goal is to promote a sporting attitude among players, coaches and also spectators at FIFA tournaments.




Courtesy: FIFA.com


Vote for your goal of the tournament

Sunday 18 November 2012

The FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012 has enjoyed countless extraordinary moments, but it is the goals that have caused most excitement among the spectators in the stands.

FIFA.com has selected the ten best goals of the tournament. Players from eight countries made it into the elite group, with Brazil (Gabriel and Falcao) and Portugal (Ricardinho and Cardinal) the only nations to be represented twice.

Now it’s your turn. From 18 to 21 November, you have the chance to decide which strike was a cut above the rest. Cast your vote to make sure your favourite wins the Goal of the Tournament.



Courtesy: FIFA.com


Kike: We should be proud

Sunday 18 November 2012

Spain skipper Kike was one of the last players to vacate the Roja dressing room after their agonising extra-time defeat to Brazil in Sunday’s final of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012.

The look on the veteran defender’s face said it all. A world champion at Guatemala 2000 and Chinese Taipei 2004, he was understandably dejected to have ended up on the losing side. Yet, as he looked back on the tournament in an interview with FIFA.com, he also took some satisfaction from the fact Spain gave their very best.

FIFA.com: A second defeat to Brazil in four years. How hard is that to take?
Kike: I’m 34 now so I’ve taken this a bit better than I did four years ago. Losing is all part and parcel of sport and when you play a World Cup final there’s always a chance it’s going to happen. You just have to accept it as part of the game.

What do you feel most at this moment in time?
Pride. We’ve had a fantastic championship and played a fantastic final. Maybe the youngsters can’t see that right now, but I’m pleased with what we’ve done because we’ve been true to ourselves. You can’t ask for anything more than that.

Why did Brazil win?
Games like this come down to the little details that go for you and the ones that go against you. We had a chance to go 3-1 up but the ball struck the bar, and they went up the other end of the pitch and made it 2-2. It’s important not to lose sight of the facts though. Maybe we were the better side overall, but they did things better at crucial points of the game and you have to give them credit for that.

You sound very calm about it all. Why is that?
In the build-up to the World Cup we were sure Spain would be true to their style, win or lose, and that we were going to give something to the game of futsal. I think we’ve done that. When you’re happy with what you’ve done you can walk away with your head held high.

You won the adidas Silver Ball. What does that mean to you?
When it comes to team sports I don’t set too much store in individual awards, though obviously I’m happy to get the recognition, especially as I’m at the end of my career now. All the same, I see this award as something that sums up what Spain is all about, not just Kike.

Will you be back in four years’ time to avenge this defeat?
No! That was my last World Cup match. I’m going to go away and ponder my future in the national team, though it’s all pretty clear in my head I think. There’s a beginning and an end to everything.

What did you say to the younger players in the dressing room?
Messages don’t always get through when tensions are high but they’re always there for when you’re that bit more relaxed. I said I was proud of them because they’re part of a new generation who understand what the Spanish futsal team is all about. They’ve taken that on and they’re going to respect it. And they’re going to be celebrating success sooner than they think.

So the future is bright for Spain, then?
No doubt about it. You have to keep the past in mind and respect it, but I really hope the ones who come along in the future can do better than we did. That would be great for Spain.

What legacy do you think this tournament’s left behind?
A very positive one, though there are always things you can improve on and you can’t rest on your laurels. There have been more teams, which is important, and the direct knockout phase from the Round of 16 onwards has been really entertaining. A lot of teams have really upped their game and there are less and less big wins. There’s still room for improvement, though, and what we need to do now is get everyone to commit to playing attractive futsal.




Courtesy: FIFA.com


Falcao, Neto savour Brazil's glory day

Sunday 18 November 2012

The music was playing. The players were dancing. The trophy was being passed around and, inevitably, some backroom staff were being given a celebratory soaking. It was amid these scenes of joyous celebration in the futsal world champions’ dressing room that Brazil’s goalscoring heroes drew breath and shared their emotions with FIFA.com.

Neto, winner of the adidas Golden Ball and scorer of A Seleção’s last-gasp winner, joined long-time talisman Falcao in assessing this fifth world title, their own roles in securing it, and the future for their team.

FIFA.com: Neto, a simple question to start: is this the best day of your life?
Neto: I’d say so! Ever since 2004, I have been reaching for this title, and when I was injured in 2008 and couldn’t take part, I wondered if it might never happen. My family, everyone close to me, will know just how important this day is. It’s exactly what I’ve been fighting for.

Falcao, you have already achieved so much in your career. But where does this one rank?
Falcao: It ranks very highly mainly because of my history in this World Cup, and the fact that I honestly thought it was over for me. The fact I recovered from injury and was able to make a contribution, even without playing as many minutes, makes it very special. It’s my last World Cup, after all, so I really wanted this title a lot.

Is that a certainty? Is there no chance of you playing in 2016?
Falcao: As far as I’m concerned, this is my last World Cup. But I would consider playing in 2016 if it felt right because, in futsal, you can come in and out of the game, so it’s easier than in football to play on to an older age. It will be difficult, of course, and my plan is not to play in 2016. But who knows?

Neto, tell us about your winning goal. What was going through your head at that moment? And how did you find the energy with 19 seconds to go?
Neto: Honestly, that was the last bit of energy I had! I think that both teams were already mentally preparing for penalty kicks, but I thought, ‘Why not have one last go at getting something?’ Thank God it worked out. When the ball went in, I was so emotional, and so tired, I actually didn’t know what to do. But then I saw my wife in the crowd and, in that moment, all I wanted to do was to celebrate with her.

And, Falcao, what about your goal?
Falcao: It wasn’t looking good for us at that stage; we were down in the match with not long to go. But it was like a star came down from the sky and I reached up to grab it. It was an important goal too because we became much more confident for the rest of the game.

The final was a tremendous advert for futsal, and the mutual respect between the teams was obvious.
Neto: Absolutely. I respect Spain a lot, we all do, and we knew that the match would likely be decided by a very minor detail. The fact is, these two teams are the two greatest futsal powers, and I think the rivalry – and the respect - will always be there.

Falcao: It’s always this way when we play Spain. When I think back to all the matches we’ve played, the last ten or 12 at least, I can’t think of either team winning by more than one goal. Every match between us is played at such a high standard.

When anyone thinks of futsal and Brazil, they think of Falcao. But what about the future for this team? Is there a new Falcao, or a few of them, ready to fill the breach?
Neto: We hope so. At the moment though, I don’t think we have another player as skilful as Falcao. But Brazil is a big country and there are a lot of good young players coming through the national team, so hopefully the future is bright.

Falcao: We definitely have a lot of good young players. But at the moment, I don’t see one who is ready to become the big idol in Brazil. But as Neto said, Brazil is a very large country and it’s possible that in the next few years we’ll see another Falcao coming through.

Have you been able to speak to your families yet?
Falcao: I have a lot of people to talk to. My wife and mother were here supporting Brazil, but I can’t wait to call my kids and speak to my family about what happened today.

Neto: Just with my wife. She was with the supporters in the stand, so I needed to climb the barriers to get up to see her. But she’s already at the airport now, so it will be a while before I’m able to see her again. I’ve not spoken to my family yet, but the first thing I’ll be doing when I get back to the hotel is giving them a call. We have a lot to talk about!






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