Courtesy: The Bleacher Report


Futsal World Cup 2012: Score and Recap for Spain vs. Brazil

by Mike Shiekman

November 18, 2012

Spain and Brazil entered the Futsal World Cup as familiar foes. In their fourth meeting of the last five World Cups, it was Brazil coming out on top in extra time 3-2.

With 19 seconds left in the extra period, Neto flicked the ball over his defenders left leg, ran past him along the sideline and fired a laser into the bottom-right corner. The ball skidded by the Spanish keeper’s right leg and into the net, rendering Brazil the champion.

The overtime goal gave Neto two goals on the day, making him the obvious choice for Man of the Match. His first goal came 21 minutes in to give Brazil a 1-0 lead.

Spain responded with two goals in the 29th and 30th minute from Torres and Aicardo respectively. The Spaniards thought they would get their first Futsal World Cup since 2004 with 10 minutes to go.

But holding a lead always proves to be the toughest test, and Spain couldn’t take care of the ball on their end.

Brazil, behind their experience in previous finals, scored one in regulation and another in extra time to finish off Spain.

The Brazilians took home their fifth title all-time, extending their lead over Spain by three as the winningest country in futsal history. They are the only nation to win back-to-back titles in Futsal World Cup history, which only dates back to 1989.

They started this World Cup campaign with a purpose, sweeping group play and outscoring their opponents 20-2.

Then, in the knockout phase played at Bangkok, they needed an extra time goal against the Argentinians to advance.

Brazilian coach Marcos Sorato said the quarterfinal win over the Argentinians proved to be needed experience to sweat out a finals win versus Spain:

“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.”

Spain wouldn’t call it “a dream final,” that’s for sure. Brazil still owns the Futsal World Cup—the Spanish and others will have to wait four years to settle the score.






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