Courtesy: The AFC.com


FIFA FUTSAL WORLD CUP: MOZAMBIQUE 2-3 AUSTRALIA

Sep 12 2016

Bucaramanga: Australia survived a scare to pick up their first ever opening-game victory at a FIFA Futsal World Cup, kicking off Colombia 2016 in perfect fashion with a 3-2 win over Mozambique.
Both sides began in cagey fashion as they found their World Cup feet, and to their credit the African debutants got into their rhythm quickly and arguably should have taken the lead. First a breakaway saw Favito hit the post, before Ricardinho was denied by Angelo Konstantinou – who was a constant thorn in their side as he patrolled his area.

While the more patient approach failed to bear fruit for the side at their first FIFA tournament of any discipline, eventually the direct one saw Australia profit, hitting three before the break and looking firmly in control.

The Bucaramanga crowd willed Mozambique on in the second period and went wild when Calo’s shot skipped through the legs of Wade Giovenali and in. Smelling a comeback, Mozambique went all in, utilising the power play to great effect – sitting perfectly with their possession style – as captain Dino slotted home a second to put Australia firmly on the ropes.

Robert Varela's side went close on a number of occasions from distance, but clung on with a backs-to-the-wall final five minutes. The pair face daunting tasks in their games on Tuesday, with Australia and Mozambique facing Brazil and Ukraine respectively.

Australia scorers:
Jonathan Barrientos (10’28’)
Adam Cooper (17’20”)
Greg Giovenali (18’34”)



Courtesy: The AFC.com


FIFA FUTSAL WORLD CUP: VIETNAM 4-2 GUATEMALA

Sep 12 2016

Medellin: A hat-trick from Minh Tri Nguyen ensured Vietnam kicked-off their FIFA Futsal World Cup odyssey in perfect fashion with a 4-2 win over tournament veterans Guatemala in Medellin.
Nguyen scored Vietnam’s first-ever goal in a FIFA tournament and, although Wanderley Ruiz drew the CONCACAF side level, two more goals within a minute from the lively attacker were ultimately decisive en route to a much-celebrated victory.

Vietnam proved themselves to be a quick and skilled team from the outset, taking charge of the game and leaving little time for the Guatemalans to settle.

Vietnam’s efforts paid off at the end of the first period when Nguyen turned after receiving a long pass and fired home, for an historic moment for the Southeast Asian nation.

Ruiz restored parity but then came Nguyen’s quickfire double, with the latter an impressive left-footed finish to complete his treble.

Guatemala, playing in their fourth successive tournament, upped the ante and were unlucky not to at least draw level in the latter stages with Miguel Santizo notably missing a gilt-edged opening.

Patricio Ruiz pulled a goal back with ten minutes remaining to set up a grandstand finish, only for Van Vu Tran to end the contest in the final moments.

Vietnam will face Paraguay next up on Wednesday, while Guatemala tackle European heavyweights Italy.

Vietnam scorers:
Nguyen Minh Tri (19'04", 28'01", 28'48")
Tran Van Vu (39'04" pen)


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