[FIFA Futsal WC] Squadra on cruise control
European strength to the fore, U.S. back in the running
(FIFA.com) 23 Nov 2004
Day 3 at the FIFA Futsal World Championship Chinese Taipei 2004 witnessed a
show of strength from the European teams. Italy and Spain notched up comfort-
able wins, while Ukraine fought back heroically to record a narrow 5-4
success over brave Egypt. The United States, meanwhile, are right back
in it after victory over Paraguay. FIFA.com takes a look back at today's
exciting encounters.
Chinese Taipei v Spain: World champions take time to settle
World champions Spain ran up double figures against hosts Chinese Taipei,
but the match was less of a stroll than the 10-0 scoreline suggests. The
youngest team at the event threw up a defensive bulwark in front of the
overwhelming favourites, showing Damien Knabben's men had learnt a lesson
or two from their opening 12-0 reverse against Egypt. However, a 45-minute
interruption for a power cut appeared to breathe new life into the Spanish
effort. Despite an injury which briefly forced him to the sidelines, Javi
Rodriguez helped himself to his first hat-trick and Spain's fifth-ever at
the global event. Coach Javier Lozano was especially delighted that his men
kept a clean sheet for the fourth match in a row, although he was distinctly
unhappy about the early exchanges: "Obviously my players would have been
more motivated against a higher class of opponent," he reasoned. The
experienced boss has an almost father-son relationship with opposite
number Knabben. "We first met in 1992 and have the greatest of respect
for each other," Lozano commented at a joint press conference after the
match. Observed the Chinese Taipei chief: "Naturally my options are
limited. We went out there hoping to avoid a 20 or 25 goal defeat and
we've hit our target because we played well."
Egypt v Ukraine: East Europeans hold nerve in nine-goal thriller
Egypt coach Mwafak Badry could not keep the anger from his face as he watched
his men throw away a deserved 3-0 lead in the second period. Nonetheless he
was at pains to point out the positives. "At the end of the day, and even
though we've dropped three points, we have no reason to be dismayed after
that first half display," the African boss commented, bowled over by the
outstanding form of Wael Mawla Abdel and Hakim Abdel Mohamed. "They're like
sons to me," Badry enthused. Ukraine somehow found a way back into the game
when all looked lost, and squeezed out a 5-4 victory. "We missed a chance to
take an early lead but we never gave up hope of winning," summarised delighted
coach Gennadiy Lissenchuk. Ukraine go into their final group fixture against
Chinese Taipei looking to run up as many goals as possible to tilt the
mathematical scales in their favour, as apart from the hosts, all the
Group A contestants have a theoretical chance of making the next round.
On paper, Egypt have a far tougher third match against Spain, "but we'd
be happy enough with a 1-0 win," Badry remarked with a wry smile.
Italy v Japan: Squadra on cruise control
Favourites Italy were in sparkling form as skipper Salvatore Zaffiro and his
team-mates handed out a tactical masterclass to neutralise the attacking
threat posed by Japan's principal offensive weapon Kenichiro Kogure. The
Asian outfit rarely threatened as the Italians cruised to a 5-0 victory,
drawing plaudits from coach Alessandro Nuccorini: "Our excellent defending
was the key factor today," he declared. Japan coach Sapo took comfort from
the manner of the defeat: "I would definitely be more upset if we hadn't
given it our best shot throughout the game. Italy showed why they're one
of the favourites for the trophy." The Italy boss returned the compliment:
"Japan have come on in leaps and bounds over the last few years and they
have no reason to be downhearted. They've lost twice but played extremely
well in both matches."
USA v Paraguay: American discipline tops Latin flair
Both sides fielded replacement keepers in a bid for the decisive edge, and
it was the United States who shaded this crunch match at the final whistle.
Paraguay, blessed with superior technical ability but forced into a game
of catch-up after going a goal down, had to throw caution to the wind and
ultimately played into their opponents' hands. The northerners went two up
but Adolfo Ruiz' team pulled one back and the flame of hope flickered briefly,
only for Johnny Torres to race upfield and net the disciplined USA's decisive
third. Winning coach Keith Tozer was delighted at his side's 3-1 success:
"It's already proving an extraordinary world championship. We've seen
stunning goals and expert defensive play. It's a fine advertisement for
the sport globally." Despite the reverse, Paraguay's qualifying fate
still lies in their own hands as they prepare to face the Italians in
their final match.
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http://www.fifa.com/en/news/feature/0,1451,104223,00.html?articleid=104223
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