Egypt began their FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016 with a resounding 7-1 win over Cuba in Medellin.
Mostafa Eid struck a hat-trick as the CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations runners-up laid down a marker in Group B as they played out the first action of the tournament.
The game couldn’t have started better for the three-time champions of Africa. Without relinquishing the ball from kick off, Abdelrahman Elashwal crafted space on the edge of the area and fired in spectacularly with his left foot, cannoning off the bar and post after 70 seconds.
While Cuba stemmed the tide somewhat, their rear-guard action was not enough to keep Emam Nader’s side at bay. Breneiht Suarez in the Caribbean side’s goal did well to deny Egypt captain Mizo from a second penalty, but he was caught out of position as Ahmed Homos put them 4-0 up.
Cuba hit the post within seconds of the restart, but the pattern of play resumed after that, with the fifth coming from a delightfully incisive move, converted by Nader. Alejandro Marrero earned some consolation for Cuba, rifling in from distance off the post, but in truth they struggled to dictate play in the Coliseo Ivan de Bedout.
The CONCACAF side will look to bounce back against Thailand on Tuesday 13 September, with Egypt no doubt hoping to all but secure their spot in the next round with a win against Russia
