Courtesy: FIFA.com


Varying margins for error

13 Sep 2016

The FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016 continues apace this Wednesday 14 September with the second round of games in Groups C and D. Among the highlights will be the return to action of title contenders Brazil and Italy in one section, and that of surprise opening-round winners Vietnam in the other. FIFA.com previews all the action coming up on Matchday 5 in Colombia.

Match of the day
Paraguay - Vietnam, Group C, 20:00 (local time)

After their surprise win over Guatemala on Sunday, Vietnam are suddenly the team on everyone’s lips. The downside to their triumph, of course, is that they no longer have that element of surprise, requiring them to redouble their efforts if they are to get a positive result against Paraguay.

In contrast to the south-east Asians, the South Americans have little margin for error after going down to Italy in their opening fixture – one in which they twice surrendered the lead. “At this level, fight and desire only get you so far; you also need to play well to win,” said Guaraníes coach Carlos Chilavert.

The other matches
In Group C’s other game, Italy go up against Guatemala hoping to make it two wins from two and all but seal their place in the Round of 16. For their part, the Central Americans need to rediscover their consistency and balance and will be well aware of the strengths of their rival, in particular their skills from set pieces and shooting from middle distance.

Meanwhile in Group D, Brazil run out first against Australia, another side to win their opening game. The five-time world champions will be clear favourites against the Futsalroos, who, when facing Falcao and Co, will not get away with the kind of defensive slip-ups that let Mozambique back into their opening game having gone three goals down.

In the same section, Ukraine and Mozambique will both be desperate to get their first points on the board. The Yellow-Blues are tactically very disciplined, as they showed when giving Brazil a stern test on Sunday, and will start as favourites. For the southern Africans, the key will be building on their second-half performance against Australia, when they produced their A-game for long passages of play.

Player to watch
Lima (Italy)

The 29-year-old wide player was fundamental to his side’s comeback against Paraguay, initially in netting their first equaliser. He then played an active part in pressing and harrying the South Americans as they attempted to build from the back – a tactic that reaped dividends for the Azzurri in the second half. Italy’s captain may also prove pivotal against Guatemala, who themselves looked anything but comfortable when Vietnam pressurised them near their own area.

The stat
66 - The number of shots Ukraine had against Brazil, the most of any team in the first round of games. If they can muster a tally like that against a side as good as Brazil, how many could they rack up against debutants Mozambique?

The words
“In any sport, you play to win, you know. We’ll go out there and do our thing, and whatever is meant to happen will happen. It’s our most important game because it’s our next one. We’ll take it as it comes, play it then move on to the next one.”
Australia captain Greg Giovenali speaking ahead of the showdown with Brazil

Match schedule
Group C
Guatemala - Italy (18:00, Coliseo el Pueblo, Cali)
Paraguay - Vietnam (20:00, Coliseo el Pueblo, Cali)

Group D
Australia - Brazil (18:00, Coliseo Bicentenario, Bucaramanga)
Ukraine - Mozambique (20:00, Coliseo Bicentenario, Bucaramanga)

(All times local)



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