Courtesy: Fox News Latino


Paraguay edges Colombia to advance to Futsal World Cup quarterfinals

September 21, 2016

CALI – Paraguay edged host Colombia 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the teams had played to a scoreless draw, getting a standout performance from substitute goalkeeper Carlos Espinola to advance to the quarterfinals of the Futsal World Cup.

In the best match of this year's tournament, neither team could score after 40 minutes of regulation and two five-minute periods of extra time Tuesday night at the Coliseo El Pueblo in this southwestern city.

Paraguay benefited from a diminished Colombian attack that was forced to make do without Angellott Caro and Stiven Abril, both of whom were suspended for excessive accumulation of yellow cards.

Juan Salas, Adolfo Salas and Gabriel Ayala scored for Paraguay in the penalty shootout after Enmanuel Ayala clanked his team's first attempt off the post, while Colombia's goals came from Gildardo Zuñiga and Yefri Duque.

But the host squad misfired twice, with Espinola saving Jhonatan Toro's first attempt of the shootout and also Colombia's fourth and final try off the foot of Christian Otero.

Gabriel Ayala's goal wrapped up the victory for Paraguay.

During regulation, chances were few and far between.

Colombia squandered its best chance when Zuñiga failed to get off a strong shot on a counterattack opportunity, while Paraguay's Enmanuel Ayala hit the post with a shot in the closing seconds of the second half.

Next up for Paraguay in Saturday's first quarterfinal clash will be either powerhouse Brazil, winners of five Futsal World Cup competitions and the world's top-ranked team, or sixth-ranked Iran, who play on Wednesday in Bucaramanga.

In one other round of 16 contest on Tuesday night, Russia trounced Vietnam 7-0 and will next take on either Spain or Kazakhstan.



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