Courtesy: FIFA.com


First departures as hosts hang on

17 Sep 2016

THE DAY REPLAYED – Colombia ensured the locals would not be denied the sight of Cafeteros yellow in the FIFA Futsal World Cup last 16 after they made it past Panama in an often nail-biting clash in Cali. Andres Reyes was key for the hosts as he made two and scored another, while the Central Americans saw red twice on the night, with the latter now looking dangerously close to going home.

Thailand also secured their place in the next round after edging a nervy encounter with Egypt. This leaves the Pharaohs anxiously watching the next two days’ results to see if three points will take them through, while Thailand can await their opponents in comfort.

Ricardinho continued his sensational scoring streak, following on from his six against Panama, with another hat-trick to give himself clear daylight at the top of the scorer’s charts as Portugal romped to a 5-1 win over the now-eliminated Uzbekistan. The victory clinched top spot in Group A ahead of the hosts.

While Portugal’s talisman is clear, Russia secured their 100 per cent record in Group B with a showing of scoring versatility. Seven different scorers registered for each of their goals against Cuba, seeing the Caribbean side head home.


Results

Group A
Panama 3-4 Colombia
Portugal 5-1 Uzbekistan

Group B
Egypt 1-2 Thailand
Russia 7-1 Cuba


Memorable moments

Passion for the post
Nelson Johnston suffer a few narrow escapes against Russia, despite the eventual scoreline, and saw cause to show some serious affection for his saviour. Having seen a free-kick first rattle against the bar, and then another effort crash off the post, Johnston gave a quick thank you kiss to the frame of the goal on both occasions.

Castrellon’s crazy three minutes
As Panama chased a vital point in their clash with Colombia, Abdiel Castrellon’s stunning solo goal, capped off by rolling the ball past Carlos Nanez in goal to fire from a tight angle, looked to be a lifeline. But flash forward 180 seconds and the picture changed suddenly. The 25-year-old receiving a straight red before Colombia got their crucial fourth goal while a man up.

Mesmerised by Moza
It was very much a day to forget for Egypt captain Ahmed Moza, but he did enjoy one moment to smile about during their defeat to Thailand. Showing the quick feet that have dazzled for the Pharaohs on so many times in the past, a series of drags and feints tied Apiwat Chaemcharoen in knots, much to the delight of the crowd.

A taste of Tashkent
Medellin found itself awash in blue, white and green as Uzbekistan rolled into town for the first time. With flags distributed among the crowd and their chief cheerleader, dressed in a traditional outfit, trying to lead the chants for his nation, there was more than hint of the Central Asian nation reverberating around the Coliseo Ivan de Bedout.

The stat
0 – The number of shots on target Thailand had in the first half, despite being 1-0 ahead! Egypt found themselves edging their Asian opponents 2-0 on shots on target, but Ibrahim Eika’s unfortunate own goal separated saw them go in one down.

The words
"I could have brought a better team to Colombia but I decided it was better for the country to bring younger players because experience is super important in futsal. It was an investment for the future." Hesham Saleh, Egypt coach

"I can't say it was the most difficult match of the tournament, but we always try to play our best to win. I like how Cuba always try to play. We respect all teams, but we know the most difficult matches are ahead.” Russia’s Ivan Chishkala

"Ricardinho gets the attention but there are other very good ones around him. I would give a 5/10 to my team for the whole tournament just because they tried their best and it was their first WC but we could have done so much better.” José Maria Méndez, Uzbekistan coach


Next matchday

17 September

Group C
Guatemala-Paraguay (18:00, Cali)
Italy-Vietnam (18:00, Bucaramanga)

Group D
Australia-Ukraine (16:00, Bucaramanga)
Brazil-Mozambique (16:00, Cali)


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