Courtesy: FIFA.com


Falcao bows out a legend, but not a champion

22 Sep 2016

All around Bucaramanga’s Coliseo Bicentenario, there was disbelief. No-one could believe the game they had just seen – a pulsating 4-4 draw between Brazil and Iran, decided on penalties. No-one could believe it was the Brazilians going home. And above, no one could quite believe that this was the end of Falcao in Seleção yellow.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. The script clearly read that there were at least another two hours of Falcao magic to come at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016. But Iran spectacularly ensured that this narrative went up in smoke amid the fiery passion of a night that will live long with everyone on the court.

While celebrations were wild for those in red, they were well aware of the significance of Ahmad Esmaeilpour’s converted spot-kick, following on from the departing Brazilian legend, who had moments before converted his own penalty. As one, the entire Iran team went to Falcao to say their own farewells and, in doing so, throw him into the air in celebration of a career that has left an indelible mark on futsal.

But, despite hitting three of Brazil’s four goals to sign off – showing has talents have far from deserted him, defeat always stings hard for a champion. “I remain very happy having finished my career with a hat-trick but unfortunately they are worth nothing,” he told FIFA.com as he walked to join his grief-stricken team-mates on the bus.

“These goals are of no real value; they are just helping me to improve my record. If I was able to change everything I did in this tournament, including the goals, and be able to trade it to become world champion, I would in an instant.”

That all-time scoring record, which he clinched in their final group game against Mozambique, has swelled to 48, accrued across a record 34 matches in a record fifth tournament. So, while a last moment of glory has not added a fairy tale sparkle to his legend, that legacy is immovable.


A man of the people
“Even with this result, I remain hugely proud because as I end my career I know I will be remembered as a very important player in the history of futsal,” he reflected, with eyes reddened having shed many a tear in the wake of his swansong. “I was world champion twice, while I am so honoured to see how the fans view me and what I have done, as this is what is most important to me.”

Having been asked countless questions, posed for photo after photo, and given every person who asked a moment of his time, it’s clear that he bows out as an icon of the people, a sentiment his coach reinforced. “Falcao has been huge, not only for the national team, but for the world,” Sergio told FIFA.com.

“His influence is massive but this is the end of his time with the national team, and he’s not going to the final, which is historic, as it is the first time ever we’ve not made it into the semi-finals.”

And the coach’s frustration was clear, having seen his team be pegged back by Iran on three occasions, before feeling the wrath of lady luck in the shootout. “It was our best game of the competition but we lost on penalties,” he said frankly. “We were unlucky to see Ari’s penalty hit the post, but we need to move on. That’s life.”

Falcao was matter-of-fact as he assessed his final game at a Futsal World Cup, as the path of retirement opened up ahead of him. “I knew the game was going to be tough. People back home in Brazil were saying before the tournament that both Brazil and Iran were among the favourites to win the tournament, but we met in the round of 16 instead and here we are, leaving Colombia on penalties.”

It was the most dramatic of twists to end a tale that futsal won’t soon forget.




Courtesy: FIFA.com


Last three quarter-final spots on the line

22 Sep 2016

The final day of Round of 16 action features two ties that look finely poised and a third in which Italy appear to be clear favourites, although they will have no room for complacency against their seasoned opponents. FIFA.com previews the fixtures.

Match of the day
Argentina-Ukraine, Bucaramanga, 17:30 (local time)

This one is nigh on impossible to call on paper, especially when the teams' respective group-stage showings are taken into account. While it is true that Argentina topped their section, they did not run away with it by any measure, having to battle past Solomon Islands and being held to a draw by Costa Rica.

Ukraine's route to the last 16 was similarly challenging. Indeed, even in defeat to Brazil, they showed the trademark ruggedness and well-drilled defence that make them so difficult to break down.

The countries' head-to-head record is just as evenly matched. Both previous meetings ended all square, with a scoreless draw at Chinese Taipei 2004 being followed by a 2-2 stalemate at Brazil 2008, although it is worth noting that neither came in the knockout action.

The other matches
Thus far, Italy have been able to find an extra gear whenever required in all of their encounters. Granted, their only truly comprehensive win came against Guatemala, but beneath the surface of their broadly workmanlike form lies a huge reserve of potential that has yet to be fully unleashed here. Egypt, who have struggled to build on a storming start, know all too well what the Azzurri are capable of: the teams faced off at the same stage at Thailand 2012 and the Europeans cruised through 5-1.

Speaking of Thailand, they are primed for a clash of contrasting styles against Azerbaijan, with the former known for their dynamic, attack-minded brand of football, while the latter's game is founded upon defensive organisation and a more 'safety-first' approach. Having got this far four years ago, the Asians may feel they have a slight edge over their more inexperienced opponents.

Player to watch
Jirawat Sornwichian (Thailand)

Although it is Suphawut Thueanklang who has attracted most of the spotlight for Thailand, Sornwichian has also scored four times, albeit with one key difference: he alone has struck in all three of his country's matches, and he has also served up an assist. This combination could hold one of the keys to unlocking a resolute Azeri defence.

The stat
70% - Between them, Vassoura (four) and Thiago Bolinha (three) are responsible for 70% of Azerbaijan's goals to date. Will Thailand be able to nullify their threat?

The words
"They're a good team – they're through to this stage for the second time in a row. From what we've seen, they have some interesting individuals. They've got technically gifted players who are tough to deal with when they get one-on-one. We will have to be mindful of that and take to the court full of determination." Italy coach Roberto Menichelli

Match schedule
Thursday 22 September

Argentina-Ukraine (17:30, Coliseo Bicentenario, Bucaramanga)
Thailand-Azerbaijan (17:30, Coliseo Ivan de Bedout, Medellin
Italy-Egypt (20:00, Coliseo el Pueblo, Cali)

All times local





Courtesy: FIFA.com


Zadeh: I'll never forget this

22 Sep 2016

“This is one of the greatest moments of not only my professional career, but also my personal life. We kind of made history tonight. This is the first time we have beaten Brazil and it has happened at the World Cup. I’m sure I will never forget this moment.”

While a level of calm had befallen Ali Hassan Zadeh in the few hours since Iran sealed a scintillating penalty-shootout win over reigning FIFA Futsal World Cup holders Brazil, it was clear the emotional magnitude of it was still very much present.

Zadeh was a key protagonist a tale that twisted and turned through an electric evening of futsal, earning the Iranians a place in the quarter-finals in blockbuster style. The underdogs didn’t edge ahead in the encounter until the penultimate round of penalties, with Zadeh the scorer of the equaliser at 3-3 that dragged a fascinating game into extra time.

“Brazil are the most prestigious futsal team in the world. I think everybody before the game would have had them down to win on paper, while expecting us to go home,” he told FIFA.com once back at his Bucaramanga hotel.

“In the early stages of the game we were not at our best and we expected to perform better, but gradually we improved, gradually the pressure grew on Brazil, and we found our rhythm in the play.”

With just four minutes left on the clock, and nothing to lose, Iran opted to go all in and decided to substitute their goalkeeper – the exceptional Alireza Sammi – and throw five men forward. “They were leading 3-2 and it put a lot of pressure on us. Because of this we decided to play with a flying goalkeeper, and the goal I scored was something we had devised in training. It was a tactically thought-out move and the shot was something marvellous. It was crucial.”

Bowled over by the value of the goal, having been 3-1 down earlier in the half, an emotional outpouring was understandable, even for a veteran of Brazil 2008 and Thailand 2012. “As a professional, when you score that important a goal, you want to celebrate, you want to show your joy. But at the same time I was telling my team-mates that the work was not finished yet.”

Nor was it, as a backs-against-the-wall extra-time effort from the holders saw the score extend to 4-4, before penalties arrived. Zadeh was first to step forward, having already seen Rodrigo ripple the net for Brazil. “With only three penalties, if you score it hands a lot of confidence to your team-mates, while if you miss the shot your team-mates will take a hit from it,” he explained.

“I tried to use all the experience I have from those two previous World Cups to build up for that shot. It wasn’t something pre-planned, but I tried to keep myself calm, keep my concentration and score.”

Score he did. It was Ari of Brazil who was the unfortunate one, stepping up next to see his effort cannon off the post. It then fell to the right foot of Ahmad Esmaeilpour to finish the job, before his team-mates went berserk. “It was pure elation, I was thrilled, that joy was indescribable. It was something unforgettable,” the softly-spoken Zadeh said.

There was also a touching moment to follow, as Iran paid their tribute to the retiring Falcao, celebrating his career and lifting him before the crowd. “We were happy that we had won the game, but we were also disappointed to see Falcao crying and to say goodbye to the game in that fashion.

“So everybody decided spontaneously to share the happiness with Falcao and it shows the true spirit of Iranian sport and athletes, as we wanted to share that moment with the loser of the game as winners.”

While the emotional comedown will be heavy, Iran are not content with a last-eight finish. “We know this is not the end of the story for us, this was not our goal. Reaching the quarter-finals does not satisfy us, it does not fulfil our dreams. We are here to reach the semi-finals at least. We will be fully focussed on Paraguay from tomorrow morning.”

For that evening at least, though, it was Iran's time to bask in glory.


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