Courtesy: Latin American Herald Tribune


FIFA Futsal World Cup Kicks Off with Egypt, Russia, Panama Winning Matches

MEDELLIN, Colombia – Panama beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and host nation Colombia battled to an exciting 1-1 draw against Portugal in Group A action at the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup on the weekend.

Meanwhile, in Group B play, it was Russia downing Thailand 6-4 and Egypt drubbing Cuba 7-1, all of these opening matches being held on Saturday.

In the most lopsided match of the competition so far, Egypt crushed Cuba with Mostafa Eid securing a hat trick for Egypt, the CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations runner-up, in Saturday’s match at the Coliseo Ivan de Bedout.

Alejandro Marrero scored the lone goal for Cuba, whose defense was never able to contain Egypt.

Panama and Uzbekistan squared off and play was even through most of the first 20-minute half, until Abdiel Castrellon got the Central American team on the board in the 16th minute. After the break, it was Michael De Leon and Fernando Mena scoring for Panama, but Javlon Anorov secured a consolation goal just before the final whistle for the 3-1 result.

In the high-scoring Russia-Thailand contest, play was fairly even all the way through, with Davydov getting Russia on the board first in the 12th minute, followed by Eder Lima four minutes later and Madyalan tallying shortly thereafter.

Thailand’s Thueanklang scored before the break to make it 3-1, and after play resumed Thailand scored two quick goals to tie things up temporarily, but then Russia scored three more times in quick succession, with Lima getting another tally, and finally Thailand managed to knock in another one for the 6-4 final score.

Meanwhile, Portugal snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat against Colombia, whose team captain – Angellot Caro – had put his squad out in front 1-0 just 30 seconds into play in Cali.

Play progressed in a somewhat disjointed manner during the rest of the half, but in the second period Portugal began to take control of the match, although they got progressively more frustrated as one after another of 53 shots missed the mark.

Finally, however, it was Cardinal who saved the day for the European squad on an on-target blast right at the closing whistle.

Cuba’s next opponent will be Thailand, while Egypt will play Russia in the next round.

Meanwhile, Colombia will take on Uzbekistan on Tuesday, after Portugal goes up against Panama.

In Sunday Group D action, Australia got on the board first against Mozambique when Barrientos knocked one home in the 11th minute, and then it was Cooper and G. Giovenali scoring in quick succession to make it 3-0 at halftime.

However, after the break, Mozambique’s Calo and Dino scored with less than 9 minutes to go, and – trying for a comeback – the African squad went all out, but Australia hung on, denying their rivals their chance to secure at least one point and putting the 3-2 win in the books.

The FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016 started on Saturday and runs until Oct. 1.

The cities of Medellin, Cali and Bucaramanga will host 24 matches during the tournament.

Medellin, the capital of Antioquia province, is the seat of Group B, which includes Russia, Egypt, Thailand and Cuba, and Group F, consisting of Spain, Iran, Morocco and Azerbaijan.

In addition, the city will host the matchups between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Group A and Kazakhstan’s contest with the Solomon Islands in Group E.


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