Russia barged past Spain 6-2 in Cali to book their place into the FIFA Fustal World Cup Colombia 2016 final four in a dominant display.
There is plenty of history between the pair, with Spain triumphing over Russia at this stage during Thailand 2012 and earlier this year during the UEFA Futsal EURO final to name just two. It was an uncharacteristic error to start the scoring though, as Ortiz saw his clearance cannon off Ivan Chishkala and in.
But the injury-depleted Spain only had to wait 13 seconds before Rivillos had fired them level, and then Miguelin’s driven free-kick had them ahead, despite goalkeeper Gustavo’s best efforts. But while Spain had the better of the run of things, Russia were relentless in their efforts.
That tenacity got them back into the equation and then on top before the half was out, with Eder Lima scoring through a characteristic swivel and strike being turned in by Chishkala, before the roles reversed for Eder to get his name on the scoresheet with a fierce finish.
The game was getting seriously spiky, and a Fernandao own goal, celebrated wildly by the already-cautioned Romulo saw him pick up a second booking – though Russia survived their period of being a man down. And, once they were back to their full complement, Eder tucked the ball away to see the game all but finished.
Spain pushed forward as time ticked down, but they looked a beaten side, and while the extra body provided by the flying keeper allowed them pressure, the tired European champions were bereft of ideas and Gustavo’s strike from the opposite end sealed it. Russia will take on Iran in Medellin in their bid to reach a first Futsal World Cup final.
