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.
