Courtesy: FIFA.com


Penalty pain and seventh heaven

21 Sep 2016

THE DAY REPLAYED – Tension was dripping from the walls of Cali’s Coliseo el Pueblo as hosts Colombia and Paraguay did all they could to force the ball into the net across 50 tense minutes, only to come up short.

The partisan crowd had to watch their side cling on for dear life as the clock ticked towards penalties, with them surviving a Paraguayan barrage to take it to spot-kicks. But it was La Albirroja's Gabriel Ayala who struck the winning effort, breaking hearts across the nation in the process, after Colombia saw two of their kicks saved.

Russia meanwhile effortlessly stamped their authority on their tie to ensure their name does not slip out of the favourites category here in Colombia. While they couldn’t match the seven different names they registered on the scoresheet against Cuba, six did the job more than amply as debutants Vietnam were unable to cope with the power of the side in burgundy over in Medellin.


Results

Russia 7-0 Vietnam
Colombia 0-0 Paraguay (AET, 2-3 PSO)

Memorable moments

Substitute saviour
Coming into the Cali cauldron after almost an hour’s action, being sat patiently chewing your nails with nerves, is no easy task. But goalkeeper Carlos Espinola, a Ministry of Health worker back in Paraguay, stepped out from the shadows to take the limelight, saving two penalties to help decide the game in nerveless style.

Backseat drivers
While they were unable to dictate the action with their feet, suspended Colombian duo Angellott Caro and Jorge Abril did everything they could to impact it with their vocal cords instead. Captain Caro was a ball of nervous energy, shouting, clapping, screaming. Abril remained somewhat more composed, though both tried to transfer their knowledge to the field. But, unfortunately for them, once it went to penalties they were just two more agitated, and eventually pained, Cafeteros fans.

How’s your touch?
Everyone needs a bit of time with the ball to hit their groove, surely? Not Russia’s Ivan Milovanov. Sat on the bench for the first half against Vietnam, he took to court at half-time to stay sharp. Keeper Georgy Zamtaradze served him a tough opening challenge, hammering the ball 40m high amongst the rafters for Milovanov to deal with. Unfazed as it plummeted back to earth, his control was impeccable, plucking it out of the sky like it was the simplest thing in the world. A touch Diego Maradona would be proud of.

The stat
0 – Colombia and Paraguay’s clash is the first at a FIFA Futsal World Cup to end goalless after extra time. It was only the fourth penalty shoot-out in tournament history and 4311 days since the last 0-0 draw in normal time. You have to go all the way back to 1 December 2004 when, in the Linkou Gymnasium in Chinese Taipei, Ukraine and Argentina played out a 40-minute stalemate.

The words
"Eder Lima could not score today but it’s good to see others could. It demonstrates the strength of our team as we are not dependant only on the performance of one specific player." Sergey Skorovich, Russia coach

"Russia had to win and they wanted it. We just wanted to win. The logic prevails. We were not good enough physically and mentally to make it, but I’m still very proud of my players." Bruno Garcia, Vietnam coach

Next matchday

21 September

Brazil-Iran (17.30, Bucaramanga)
Spain-Kazakhstan (17:30, Medellin)
Portugal-Costa Rica (20:00, Cali)




Courtesy: FIFA.com


Lozano: 2000 final gives me goosebumps

21 Sep 2016

While Spain’s intimidating fluidity and palpable confidence may have been lacking at points during the final game of FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016’s group stage, their self-belief is certainly not going to be dispelled by a couple of below-par showings.

“As a team we are very good, as players we are very good,” winger Sergio Lozano told FIFA.com following the 4-3 win over Morocco, “but we’re going to have to improve if we’re to get beyond the second stage. I think this team just has to be given some time. If we get that we can reach our goals.”

There are no doubts this team is brimming with talent, following in the wake of their considerable futsal pedigree. They have reached every world or continental final – bar two where they finished third – for the past two decades, and it is no surprise that this exceptional history, and near-expectation of success, flows through the veins of those draped in red.

Unlike many players at the tournament, there was never a point when the Madrid-native made a switch for football to futsal. His commitment has been pure. “It’s always been futsal for me. I’m in love with it, so there’s never been an incentive to play football,” Lozano explained. “I’m so happy to be here and doing what I do.”

And because of that, the 27-year-old grew up on a diet of Spanish futsal at its peak, when they swept the world stage at Guatemala 2000 and Chinese Taipei 2004. “I remember those tournaments, as I watched a lot of the games when I was very young.”

“Now I’m fortunate enough to be friends with Javi Rodriguez, and every time I remember [the 2000] final and his goals I get goosebumps,” Lozano recalled, looking back on Rodriguez’s late second-penalty brace. “It would be an honour and a privilege for us to repeat what they did and become world champions.”

Twelve years on in Thailand he found himself in a similar position to his former team-mate and now close friend, facing Brazil in a Futsal World Cup final. This time, though, they lost out in extra-time. “My memories are very positive of the tournament until the final! I think we did very well in championship in general, but maybe we didn’t know how to break down Brazil.”


Champion potential
But that unshakeable belief means he feels that final step can be made with this generation. “I think we have the team to be world champions,” Lozano said with a look of determination. “It’s clear that we have to improve a lot of things, but I sincerely hope that, when the time comes, we compete just as this Spain team can. If we’re faithful to our principles, sticking to our eye-catching, intense and joyful style of play, I think we have what it takes.”

The legendary Rodriguez believes in the team too. “He told me that he’s a great fan of how we play and always tells me to 'give everything out on the court, then everything will come together'.”

Having triumphed at UEFA Futsal EURO 2016, they have every right to believe they have what it takes. And perhaps even more so in Colombia than Serbia back in February. On the eve of the tournament they were left without Lozano, Aicardo and Fernandao through injury, with the former pair scoring three of the four goals against Morocco.

They met next opponents Kazakhstan in the semi-finals on the way to the title and Lozano has memories a tough battle. Though with Spain’s three returning figures, and their opponents set to have star goalkeeper Higuita back on the scene, their 5-3 win seven months ago counts for little in reading the outcome. “It was a great match, we pressed well, we showed great spirit. It’s going to be a very different match this time out but our idea is to try to bring the same game to them as we did at the EUROs.”

They will find out if it is enough on Wednesday night.




Courtesy: FIFA.com


Positive vibes powering Conde's Thailand

21 Sep 2016

Looking each other square in the eye with arms draped around shoulders and hearts beating fast, Thailand's players never start a game without their pre-match huddle. That ritual has served them well so far at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016, and no one could be happier than coach Miguel Conde. The Spaniard enjoys a reputation in futsal circles as a tactical mastermind, but he has brought his team to the finals with a whole different weapon in their armoury.

"I want to create an emotional bond between the players to serve a bigger cause," he explained to FIFA.com. "You have to play for yourself, but above all you have to play for others. There are so many people who believe in them and whose dreams depend on them." Expectations have certainly been raised back home, with Thailand having turned heads by reaching the last 16 as World Cup hosts four years ago. It was a watershed moment, with nothing having been the same for Thai futsal since – and Conde was appointed just two months before Colombia 2016 with the aim of matching that feat.

A two-time Asian champion during nearly seven years in charge of Japan, Conde has not had time to leave his mark on his new charges in terms of technique. Instead, he has tried to kick-start a revolution in their thinking. "I wanted to change their mentality," he said. "My players sometimes get very emotional. I quickly understood that I needed to find a way of better channelling that energy." Hence the focus on the pre-game huddle, which is far from merely symbolic for Conde. "The energy circle at the start of the match is essential for me, and it's one of the elements of my approach. Touch is the best method for transmitting positive energy. That's how we can connect our hearts and minds."


Not 'just' a World Cup
Energy is something that the FIFA futsal instructor himself is hardly lacking. Watch Thailand in action and you are guaranteed a curious spectacle on the sidelines as an animated Conde spends much of the game with his back to the contest, passing on tactical observations to his players – and all in a professorial, expressive style that defies the language barrier. "They're always very ready to listen, even if, for me, the tactical side of things mostly gets passed on at the hotel. The rest plays out in their heads. I always speak about family before games. We share personal stories to create links in order to surpass ourselves."

His approach has already paid dividends. After kicking off with an impressive display in their 6-4 loss to Russia, Thailand caught the eye by seeing off Cuba 8-5 and Egypt 2-1, which left them with six points in the group stage – their best ever World Cup return despite four previous tilts. "They've written history and they deserve it," said Conde. "It's no more than just reward for their work."

Thailand can now pen a new chapter in their history when they face Azerbaijan in the last 16 in Medellin on 22 September, having already performed so well in the city. "This World Cup can't be 'just' another World Cup," added the coach with characteristic enthusiasm. Wearing a radiant smile as he looked forward to the game, he knows the positive energy another win would pass on to an entire population. "We have to do something special. I want to instil in the players' heads my conviction that everything is possible. They can't set themselves the slightest limit."




Courtesy: FIFA.com


Vietnam head home with stars in their eyes

21 Sep 2016

It is the story of a group of friends who discover just how much they are capable of while in action. The crowning moment along the way came when they overcame Japan on penalties to earn themselves a spot at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016. Another memorable moment was to follow at the tournament in the shape of a 4-2 victory over Guatemala. "I was so looking forward to the first whistle and to kicking off our World Cup. That said, I struggled to envisage that we'd get a win. I'll never forget those timeless minutes," midfielder Thai Huy Tran told FIFA.com.

Having arrived without much fanfare, the Asians suddenly found themselves basking in the limelight. The images are on a continuous loop in Bao Quan Nguyen's mind and they will likely stay there for some time yet. "The announcement that we'd gone through as one of the best third-placed sides is another memory I'll always treasure," said the captain.

Not even two reality checks in the group stage – a 2-0 loss to Italy and a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Paraguay – could dampen their enthusiasm, although they did provide some food for thought.

The latter game was a particular eye-opener, especially the spell when La Albirroja scored three goals in as many minutes. "Everything goes so quickly at the World Cup. The intensity is non-stop. You have no respite – it's a constant physical challenge. If we want to take another step up, that has to be our priority," said Tran. His team-mate echoed this sentiment, saying: "I was really impressed by our opponents' physical prowess."


A warm welcome
Off the pitch, the pair were equally bowled over by the clockwork-like organisation in evidence at the global extravaganza. In Tran's words, "Everything was simply perfect, from the training facilities to the hotels and the contact with the locals. That meant that practically all we had to do was think about our game. I loved that experience."

Against this backdrop, it was easy enough to get into the right frame of mind for matches. Once the ball was in play, though, the pressure was on and enjoyment took a back seat – not least in the Round of 16 up against a Russia side determined to keep turning the screw to the very end. "We tried to savour the moment on the court, but it was beforehand and afterwards that we were mainly able to take in everything that was happening," explained Tran.

Now the Vietnamese can look forward to a rousing reception on their return home, with a sizeable number of fans expected to turn out to greet their heroes at the airport. "There will be a crowd there to welcome us," said the Thai Son Nam star, relishing a prospect that clearly cushioned the blow of the end of their Colombian adventure.

Another consolation is the chance to be reunited with their loved ones after six long weeks of separation – three in Colombia and three away preparing for the tournament. "My wife will be happy to see me again. She's been very patient. We're going to go on holiday now to unwind," said Tran, while his captain cut a restless figure, eager to get on his phone and check out the countless congratulatory messages and words of affection waiting for him. Vietnam's Futsal World Cup may be over, but the impact of their exploits will live on for a while to come.



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