Courtesy: FIFA.com


Anxious eyes and final chances

18 Sep 2016

The final day of the FIFA Futsal World Cup group stages will not only bring into focus the final standings of Group E and F, it will also provide some long-awaited clarity, as we shall also find out which quartet has snatched a knockout stage place from third. But, before all that, there are still two automatic places up for grabs, with a head-to-head clash in Group F set to decide one of them.

Join FIFA.com as we give you a teaser into what is coming on Matchday 9 of Colombia 2016.


Match of the day

Azerbaijan-Iran, Group F, 18:00 (local time)

Azerbaijan begin this final set in Group F sitting just above Iran, who go into the game in Medellin holding the advantage of goal difference, with the two locked at deuce on three points apiece. Both have come a cropper at the hands of European champions Spain, while they have likewise both put five goals past Morocco.

Iran arrive with bags of Futsal World Cup experience, but Azerbaijan are a confident newcomer, so this is a tough one to call at the outset. But two certainties are that three points will send either into the last 16, while a draw will book them both a ticket.


The other matches
Costa Rica have a fair task ahead of them if they are to get their hands on the last remaining guaranteed place in the next round from Group E. Already trailing Kazakhstan by a goal, the CONCACAF champions must take on an Argentina side who rediscovered their goalscoring touch against Solomon Islands.

The side from the Pacific take on the European dark horses across in Medellin, with a slim chance of qualification still mathematically possible, but expectations will be high for Ricardo Sobral’s Kazakhstan, who showed plenty of sparks to get excited about against Costa Rica.

Spain will take on Morocco knowing they’re assured of a spot in the next round, while things are very much out of the North Africans’ hands. Should Iran lose, a five-goal victory over the two-time title winners would secure third for the Thailand 2012 debutants, but no doubt all in their camp would accept that is likely to be a bridge too far.


Player to watch

Diego Zuniga (Costa Rica)

The Costa Rica winger will be an easy one to watch during their clash with Argentina, as he’s impossible to miss! With his long, black curly locks, he has been a livewire during both of Los Ticos’ games so far, playing his part in the move to equalise against Kazakhstan, with his energy and invention set to be key if they are to get anything in Bucaramanga.

The stat
3 – The three points Kazakhstan picked up against Costa Rica were their first ever at a FIFA Futsal World Cup at the fifth time of asking. Having played three, lost three, at Guatemala 2000, before suffering a 1-0 defeat in their Colombia opener, the 3-1 victory ensured they got a 16-year-old monkey off their back.


The words
"We can't just play a match without our full commitment to doing our best, even if we are already qualified. Each match is an importunity to improve, it is just our philosophy. It is also important for us to put on a show for the public." Venancio Lopez, Spain coach

Match schedule

Group E
Costa Rica-Argentina (16:00, Bucaramanga)
Kazakhstan-Solomon Islands (16:00, Medellin)

Group F
Azerbaijan-Iran (18:00, Medellin)
Spain-Morocco (18:00, Bucaramanga)



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