Topper is a football boot brand that hails from South America. It’s perhaps best known worldwide as the sponsor of the Brazilian national team that played in the World Cup in 1982 - think Sócrates, Zico, Falcão and Junior.

Nowadays Topper is the official sponsor of the six times world futsal champions Brazil, a team where every player wears the same Topper futsal shoe. But we are here to tell you about their football boot, not their futsal credentials.

Topper Football Boots

The top of the range football boot from Topper in 2009 is the One Professional, developed by the South American brand for both professional and serious amateur players.

It’s made from an impermeable K Leather that moulds to your foot, features a high degree of elasticity, and should be very comfortable.

The outsole features a moulded stud, designed to help your traction and balance on the most irregular of surfaces, no doubt typical in Brazil.

A Dynatech shock absorbing module runs along the sole and into the heel, which again assists your balance on the turf whilst protecting the heel area.

The One Professional football boot was developed by the players; Jorge Wagner (Sao Paulo and former Sevilla), Ibison (Flamengo) and Marcos (Palmeiras) the former world cup winning goalkeeper with Brazil in 2002.

To follow in the steps of this pro line football boot, Topper will be launching a polyurethane model, know simply as “The One”.

Price: Approx. £90

Availability: Now, 2009

Colours: White / Black and Yellow / Black

Weight: 300g

48%

Reviews Counted: 94

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After eight years Brazil reclaim the Futsal World on home soil after defeating Spain in the final.

Brazil beat Spain 4-3 in shoot-out to capture Futsal World Cup title

Once again the two best sides in Futsal met in a World Cup Final. Last time they met, it was in 2000 and Spain were victorious. On top of that Spain had eliminated Brazil in the 2004 Futsal World Cup in China.

With the Maracanazinho stadium at its full capacity, samba echoed through as the crowd were obviously behind the home team. Everything was set up for what was being lauded as the best game in Futsal history, ever.

The first half didn’t live up to its billing, with no goals being scored. The first half was a balanced affair with lots of passing and tight marking by both sides. Brazil were edging play, occasionally breaking through the Spanish defence, but nothing made the back of the net.

In the second half Brazil took a more offensive stance. Marquinhos took a corner kick and the ball deflected in off Borja. The crowd went wild with the first goal, all you could hear were the drums and shouts of “Brazil, Brazil, Brazil”.

After a defensive lapse by Brazil’s Gabriel, Torras’ long distance shot went in Tiago’s top right corner, 1 all. Silence now consumed the stadium, apart from a small group of Spaniards that were bravely shouting “A por ellos, E O E” (we can do it).

With just 3 minutes left, Vinicius gave the lead back to Brazil. Lenisio and Marquinhos were stopped by the Spanish goal keeper Luis Amado, but the ball fell to Vinicius who hammered in Brazil’s second.

Using a special feature only allowed in Futsal, Spain replaced their keeper for an outfield player. The player is allowed to save and can go forward and make the team look as if it had five outfield players instead of four, it is a risky tactic but can be very useful, especially with 3 minutes left on the clock in a World Cup Final!

Spain’s gamble soon paid off. Alvaro’s close range strike put both teams on level terms again. The crowd were silent again, instead of samba all that could be heard was praying.

With things levelled the game went to extra time, nothing changed and the title was decided in a penalty shoot out which ended up with Brazil winning 4-3. Misses by both Torras and Marcelo while only Ari failed to convert for the new world champions.

In the battle for third place Italy defeated Russia 2-1 and took home the bronze medal.

Watch the Futsal World Cup Final highlights here

Favourites Brazil and Spain will meet in the final of the Futsal World Cup, but they didn’t have it all their own way in the semi’s.

Brazil 4-2 Russia

Both semi-finals were played in Rio, at the Maracanazinho stadium (little Maracana). First on was Brazil against Russia, both teams had played against each other in the first stage of the competition, and Brazil won the first encounter 7 nil.

Russia were determined not to make things easy for the Brazilians this time, but playing at home, Brazil had a lot to prove and it was the South Americans who set the pace. Within two minutes Brazil created the first goal opportunity but the post saved Russia.

The first goal came two minutes later; Grabriel assisted Schumacher who nailed past the keeper, 1 nil Brazil. Falcao doubled the lead after receiving a pinpoint pass from Vinicius. The same Falcao got the crowd on its feet after executing an overhead kick that almost went in.

After good play from Russia, Pula took the ball to the right and struck, the ball went under the legs of the Brazilian goalkeeper Tiago, 2-1 to Brazil and goal number 16 for Pula. Brazil managed to score another before the break, Vinicius headed in a cross from Ari, 3-1 Brazil.

In the second half it was the Russians who scored first, the goal changing the match. Brazil lost confidence and the Russians were quick to see that and went in search of the equaliser, silence and tension took over the stadium. Relief came for the local supporters with just 2 minutes left on the clock. Gabriel received on the left and fired home the fourth which secured Brazil’s place in the grand final on Sunday. End result Brazil 4-2 Russia.

Italy 2-3 Spain AET

The second semi-final was between Italy and Spain, the game was a replay of the last Futsal World Cup Final, which Spain won 3-2.

This time the Italians were determined not to let the same happen again. With passes and good movement off the ball the Italians was getting close to the first goal, although the Spaniards were looking resolute with an organized defence Spain, waiting for the right moment to strike.

It wasn’t long before that right moment came, after a mistake by the Italians. Daniel collected the ball and hammered in the first for the Spaniards. The goal made Italy adopt a more defensive posture allowing Spain to control the first half.

Italy started the second half the same way they started the first, but this time more effectively and after good individual play by Foglia the Italians levelled the scores.

With neither team managing to score in normal time the game went to extra time, Spain scored first through Fernandao, but with just over a minute left to play Italy equalised through Grana.

With the game looking like it would be decided in a penalty shout out, Foglia scored an own goal, dramatically giving the lead and the place in the final to Spain. The Italians protested that when the ball went in the clock was on 0 but the ref did not go back on his decision. End Result Italy 2-3 Spain.

Watch the Futsal World Cup Semi Final highlights here

Each team played twice this weekend and things are more or less decided, with favourites Brazil and Spain safely through to the semi-finals.

The weekend marked the beginning of the second stage in the Futsal World Cup. The eight squads were divided in two groups of four, Group E and Group F. They will play against each other and again the top two teams will go through to the semi-finals.

On Saturday in Group E, Brazil defeated Iran by just 1-0, in what the hardest game the Brazilians have had so far. The Iranian goalkeeper Nazari featured prominently and performed some amazing saves. For the first time in this Futsal World Cup, Brazil were booed by the crowd and showed some deficiency in attack.

In the other match in Group E Italy defeated the Ukraine by 4 goals to nil. Both teams started the match with a defensive formation and all the goals were scored in the second half.

Playing in Group F also on Saturday, Argentina and Paraguay drew 3-3 in the South American Derby.

The other Group F match was between Spain and Russia, the world champions won 5-2, but it wasn’t always easy for the Spaniards. At one stage they were 2-1 down, but managed to regain control of the match and grab the three points.

Yesterday was another great day at the Futsal World cup, with matches that are becoming world class derbies in Futsal.

First it was Brazil against Italy, in what was a very tense match, in the break a fight between Forte from Italy and Betao from Brazil resulted in a red card for both players. In the end Brazil won 3 nil.

The revelation of the tournament Iran, defeated the Ukraine 5-4 after been 2 nil down with 8 minutes played in the first half. The Iranians made an astonishing comeback and held on to the victory.

In the Hispanic Derby, Spain defeated Argentina 2-1. The victory secured Spain a place in the semi-finals, while Argentina will play Russia to decide who will advance to the Semi’s.

The last match of the weekend was between Russia and Paraguay. A huge mistake by the referee gave the victory to Russia, literally in the last seconds of the match. Paraguay still have a remote chance of advancing to the semi-finals, but they need to beat Spain and hope for a draw between Russia and Argentina.

Watch the highlights here

On what was the most exciting day at the Futsal World Cup so far, we now know the identity of the last two teams who have advanced to the next stage.

First up, Argentina and Guatemala provided the fans with an exciting encounter with a place in the next round up for grabs. The Argentine’s had the better start and took control of the first half which ended with them 1 nil up. Guatemala created a few  opportunities in the second period but failed to capitalize and it was Argentina who scored again to double their advantage. Guatemala managed one back but to no avail. 2 - 1 the final score with Argentina advancing.

In the other match in Group C, Ukraine defeated China 4 - 2 to finish top. However, they are rewarded with a tough looking group in the next round as they’ll be up against Brazil and Italy.

Another decisive match was between Iran and the Czech Republic as both teams needed to win to advance in the competition. Despite a late fightback by the Czech’s, it was the Iranian’s experience that won the day and a very competitive game by a 3 - 2 scoreline. But, like Ukraine, Iran now find themselves up against Brazil and Italy.

The last match of the group stage was between World Cup champions Spain and Uruguay and it went true to form. With no chance of qualifying Uruguay were defeated 3 - 0.

You can see all the action here.

Here is how the next Group Stage looks like:

Group E: Brazil, Italy, Ukraine and Iran

Group F: Spain, Paraguay, Argentina and Russia

The top teams in each group advances to the semi-finals.

Yesterday was a decisive day at the Futsal World Cup, a few surprises cropped up and we now know the first four teams that are through to the next stage.

No surprises in Group A of the Futsal World Cup. Already qualified Brazil won their fourth consecutive match and finished top of the group. This time Brazil’s victim was Cuba, 9 nil being the final score.

Also in Group A and playing for a place in the next stage of the competition, Russia defeated Japan by 9 goals to 1 and secured second place in the group. The Russians will now join Spain in the next phase.

The surprise of the day came from Group D, Italy played a lousy game and allowed Paraguay to win, the final score being 4-2. With the result the South Americans jumped to first place in Group B and are through to the next stage. The defeat means the Italians qualify in 2nd position and are Now grouped with Brazil.

In the last match of Group B Portugal defeated Thailand 3-2, but the result wasn’t good enough for them to go through, due to Paraguay’s victory over Italy.

Today we’ll get to see the last two teams that will go though to he next stage, remembering that Ukraine and Spain are already qualified.

See the action from Futsal match day 9 here

There may not have been as many goals as Futsal Match Day 7, but day 8 at the Futsal World Cup had some great action.

In Group D both Iran and the Czech Republic won their Futsal matches which gives them both a good chance of going through to the next stage. In Group C two easy victories for the Ukraine and Guatemala were the highlights of the day.

In Group C Guatemala easily went pass China with a comfortable 10-1 win, it was Guatemala’s second win in the competition, they now have 6 points and play Argentina for a place in the next stage. China are out of the competition without gaining a point in their 3 matches.

The other game in Group C was between the Ukraine and Egypt; the Europeans won 5-1 and are in a fight with Argentina and Guatemala for one of the two places to advance to the next stage. The Ukraine have an easier task playing against China who are already relegated.

The Czech Republic defeated Libya 4-2 and will play Iran to see who goes through.

Also in Group D Iran defeated Uruguay, also by 4 goals to 2, with the defeat the South Americans are out of the competition having scored only 1 point in three matches.

Get all of the action from Futsal Match Day 8 here.

The seventh day of competition at the FIFA Futsal World Cup was another goal fest. Between Groups A and B more than 50 goals were scored!

In Group A Japan defeated Cuba 4-1. The Japanese went to the break one nil down but managed a successful comeback. The victory puts Japan in the fight for the second place in Group A and a possible place in the next stage of the competition. Japan play Russia in the decisive match to see who advances to the next stage.

The spotlight of the day came from the second match in Group A between Russia and the Solomon Islands. The Russians achievied the biggest score in Futsal World Cup history by winning 31-2. Previously the record was held by Brazil with a 29-2 victory over Guatemala in 2000.

The USA lost to Portugal and are going home without scoring a point in the competition. The Americans lost all of their three matches, meanwhile Portugal have high chances of advancing to the next stage and with some results going their way, may even finish first in Group B.

Finally, Paraguay brushed aside Thailand winning 8 nil. With six points, Paraguay will play group leaders Italy for a place in the next stage of the competition.

See the Russians hit 32 goals past the Solomon Islands and the rest of the highlights here.

The Futsal World Cup is hotting up in Brazil (it’s about 30 degrees C at the moment). With all the teams having now played, the form sides are starting to show their pedigree.

On Friday two time world champions Spain won their first three points of the competition by defeating Libya by 3 goals to nil. With the victory the Spaniards top their group with 4 points.

In the same group Czech Republic debuted in the competition with a 4-1 victory over Uruguay, this puts Uruguay in a dangerous situation with only one point after two matches.

In group C, also played on Friday, Argentina defeated Egypt in an exciting match; the Argentinians came back from 2-1 down to win 4-2, guaranteeing their first place in their group with 3 wins in 3 matches.

In the last match of the day making their début in the competition, Ukraine defeated Guatemala by 6 goals to 2.

On Saturday Brazil faced their first real challenge in the competition against Russia, again another easy victory for the South Americans 7 nil was the final score. The victory guarantees a place in the next stage of the competition for the Brazilians.

In the same group Japan defeated the Solomon Island 7-2 keeping their dream of  a place in the next stage of the competition.

After a difficult match against Italy, Thailand won their first match against the USA; the Thai’s were favourites for this match and confirmed that by winning 5-3.

In the most anticipated match in group B Italy defeated Portugal 3-1. The Italians were more efficient and thanks to a series of errors by the Portuguese squad, the Italians guaranteed their third win - putting them on the top of group B with 9 points.

On Sunday, playing in group C, Egypt won their first three points of the competition. The Egyptians defeated China by 6 goals to 2. With the victory, Egypt still have chances of qualifying into the next stage of the competition.

The first surprise of the tournament came in the game between Argentina and the Ukraine. The Argentinians opened the scoring but allowed the Ukrainians to come back and turn things around. However a late goal by Giustozzi meant the Argies drew the match. With the draw Argentina maintain the first spot in group C with 7 points.

The revelation of the Futsal World Cup saw Iran defeated by Libya 4-2 and are now second place in group D with good chances of advancing to the next stage.

Finally Spain showed why their are World Champions with a great victory over the Czech Republic. The Spaniards won by 4 goals to nil. Brazilian born player Marcelo standing out, he scored twice and was awarded a penalty after been fouled inside the box. Yet another Brazilian born player Daniel capitalised for the Spaniards. Now Spain have 7 points and are top of group D.

Check the latest tournament highlights here.

Match day three at the Futsal World Cup was a real goal fest, Brazil brushed aside the Solomon Islands, Italy won their first game, whilst Russia and Portugal debuted in the competition.

In the first match of the day Brazil thrashed the Solomon Islands 21-0, the second biggest score in the history of the competition. The biggest score for the record was also achieved by the Brazilians in 2000 when they defeated Guatemala by 29 goals to 2.

Russia made its début in the competition with an impressive victory over Cuba, 10-5 was the final score. Now Russia will face Brazil tomorrow whilst the Cubans have the weekend off, they play against Japan on Monday.

In group B is was Portugal’s turn to debut in the competition, the Portuguese had a difficult match against Paraguay, but a late goal by Arnaldo secured Portugal’s first victory in the competition, final score was 3-2 to the Portuguese.

After a difficult victory in their first match Italy, or should we say Brazil B?,  won comfortably against the USA, 6-1.

The biggest issue of the day was a statement by FIFA with regards to number of players in a squad with double citizenship, FIFA wants to limit the number of players in this situation. This off course was not good news for the Italians that have 14 Brazilian born players in their squad.

See the Day 3 highlights, including Brazil’s 21 goals - click here

The first day of competitions in the FIFA Futsal World Cup introduced the teams from groups A and B and goals were not hard to come by.

Group A

In group A, following discussion that Brazil should change their game style, leaving the “show” aside and playing an “ugly game”, Brazil with the support of the home crowd trounced Japan with a 12-1 victory.

Also in group A, Cuba defeated the Solomon Islands. But the Cubans had an early scare in the first minute when the Solomon Islands opened the scoring thanks to Ragomo. The Cubans didn’t let the early setback affect them though, as they ended up winning 10-2.
Group B

In group B, the current runners up Italy struggled against Thailand with a tight one nil victory, despite the fact that Italy’s side features 14 Brazilian born players! It was a hard game for the “Italians” and all merits goes to the Thai team who were unfortunate and had many chances to equalise.

The other match in group B was Paraguay against USA and the South Americans combined efficiency with good passing to easily defeat the North Americans by 5 goals to nil.

Today’s Fixtures

Today teams from group C and D will début in the competition. In group C Guatemala plays against Egypt and Argentina face China. Group D will have defending Champions Spain playing against Iran and Uruguay against Libya.

See Brazil hit 12 past Japan and all the other day one highlights here: Video Link

After England’s 4 – 1 demolition of Croatia in midweek, it was hard to know if the weekend’s Premier League action would live up to English fans now soaring expectations.

We shouldn’t have worried.

First off Liverpool recovered from conceding an early goal to beat Manchester United 2 – 1. Robinho netted on his Manchester City debut but was powerless to stop Chelsea steam rolling to a 3 – 1 win, Hull City won 2 – 1 at Newcastle United (mind you, a pub team would have a fair chance at St James’ Park these days) and West Brom recorded their first league victory of the season over West Ham.

Performance of the weekend though probably came from Arsenal who went to Blackburn Rovers and came away with a handsome 4 – 0 success with Emmanuel Adebayor scoring a hat trick in his Adidas F50 08 TUNiT football boots.

Theo Walcott continued his fine form from Zagreb to set up the first Gunners goal for Robin Van Persie before Adebayor took over. The Togo international headed home Denilson’s cross just before half time, slotted home a penalty with 10 minutes to go and completed his trio running on to and finishing from a pass from debutant Aaron Ramsey.

It was a good day for Adebayor and for Adidas, particularly as the striker’s F50 boots didn’t get any midweek international exposure after the Arsenal man refused to play for Togo in Zambia after a row with the Togo Football Federation.

No doubt that Adidas were probably more than happy with the fact that a rested Adebayor certainly gave them their monies worth on Saturday.

Order these football boots here

If you’re like the Footy Boots team, your experience of 5 a side football is probably a week night kick about with some mates preceding a large amount of beer or perhaps a Sunday morning get together following a load of beer.

Either way, the results are probably mixed at best.

On the continent however, the indoor game or ‘Futsal’ is massive with leagues and well paid professional players, who like their outdoor colleagues, have well backed shoe contracts.

The game’s name is derived from the Portuguese futebol de sal ão and the Spanish fútbol sala/de salón, which can be translated as ‘indoor football’.

Futsal, which can be traced back to 1930, is played between two teams of five players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. In addition each team may have 7 substitutes. Unlike some other forms of indoor football, the court is delimited by lines, and not walls or boards that players can use to rebound the ball. Futsal is played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a football.The emphasis is on improvisation, creativity and technique.

And the undoubted star of European Futsal is the captain of Spain, Javier Rodriguez.

Last November, Rodriguez led his Spanish side to a fourth European title, as they beat Italy 3 - 1 in the final in Oporto. It was his second time as a European champion to go along with a couple of World Championships and two European club titles.

For the past two seasons, Rodriguez has had his own make of indoor shoe, provided by sponsors Kelme who’ve been involved with the indoor game for many years.

The ‘Javi Rodriguez’ shoe is made from a combination of mesh and synthetic leather with a professional EVA and rubber wedge outsole and rotation point.

The perforated heat moulded insole also helps to prevent perspiration build up, an important feature if you are on the pitch the day after 8 pints and a Ruby Murray.

Other Kelme models are the Ruedo (UK sizes 5.5 to 11) and the Casta (UK sizes 5.5 to 11) with the new Malga range being introduced later this year.

According to the Football Association, Futsal is still in the embryonic stages of development in England.

Until the introduction of the first official National Championships organised by The FA in July 2003, it had been left to individual groups of futsal pioneers to develop the game in their local areas.

Kick-started firstly by the visit of the first international futsal team to English shores, when Tranmere Victoria hosted the Iranian National Futsal Team in October 2002 and then by the interest generated from a pilot futsal tournament hosted by Sheffield Hallamshire FA in the November of the same year, the Football Association began to put in place plans to take the game forward at a grass roots level in 2003 through the establishment of a National Championships and the participation of Tranmere Victoria in the 2003 - 2004 UEFA Futsal cup.

Also in 2003, an England team competied in their first major international competition in Malaysia and then the preliminary rounds for the 2005 Uefa Futsal Championships in January 2004.

Javier Rodriguez fact file

Date of birth: 23.06.1974, Santa Coloma de Gramanet (Barcelona)
Weight: 77 Kg
Height: 178 cm
Current Club: Barcelona F.S.
Position: Winger-Centre

Achievements
4 Generalitat Valenciana Cup
1 Super Cup (2004)
1 Silver Ball (2004)
2 UEFA Futsal (2002 and 2003)
1 Best Player of LNFS (2001)
1 European Cup (2001)
2 Leagues (1999-2000 / 2000-2001)

Achievements with the Spanish National Team
2 World Championships
2 European Championships
2 Four Nations Tournaments