Courtesy: Latin American Herald Tribune


Brazil Blows Out Mozambique, Takes First in Futsal World Cup Group

CALI, Colombia – Brazilian captain Falcao scored three goals in leading his team to a 15-3 blowout of Mozambique that secured first place in Group D and a spot in the round of 16.

Falcao’s performance on Saturday in Cali gives him 45 goals, making him the top scorer in the tournament.

Brazil, which finished group play with nine points, was joined in advancing by Ukraine, which beat Australia 3-1 in a match played in the city of Bucaramanga and racked up six points.

“We allowed Australia to have the ball on occasions, so we could hit them on the counter-attack. Unfortunately, we didn’t make all our opportunities count,” Ukraine coach Oleksandr Kosenko said.

Falcao’s scoring spree against Mozambique helped him grab the lead in goals from teammate Manoel Tobias, who has 42.

Brazil pressed hard against Mozambique, demonstrating how it has won five Futsal World Cups.

The South American team was up 8-1 at the end of the first period, dominating Mozambique in all aspects of the game.

Rodrigo, Xuxa, Dieguinho, Fernandinho and Ari each scored two goals for Brazil, while Jackson and Bateria scored a goal each.

Mozambique avoided a shutout, thanks to goals by Mario, Magu and Dino.

Mozambique’s players sought out Falcao for selfies after the match, acknowledging the legendary Brazilian player’s outstanding performance in the match.

“I never thought that after 20 years of playing futsal, I’d be so nervous in one game. I made the wrong decisions and my movements on the court were wrong. I was completely focused on breaking the record. But now everyone will see a new Falcao,” Falcao said after the match.

In Group C action, Paraguay defeated Guatemala 8-4 to advance to the knockout phase, taking on host Colombia.

“We know it was going to be a difficult match against an aggressive rival, but at the end it was like we had planned. At the beginning we were not able to control the ball, and we suffered two early goals. But once we start controlling it, we found our rhythm. In ended up being was a nice victory,” Paraguay’s coach, Carlos Chilavert, said.

Paraguay and Colombia will play on Tuesday in Cali.

Italy beat Vietnam 2-0, winning its third match in a row and advancing to the round of 16.

Portugal, Colombia, Russia, Thailand, Italy, Paraguay, Brazil and Ukraine have all advanced to the knockout phase.


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