By Samindra Kunti
September 22 – Iran knocked out defending world champions Brazil after a penalty shoot-out in the second round of the 2016 Futsal World Cup in Colombia. The surprise elimination brought to an end the international career of Falcao, arguably the greatest futsal player of all-time.
Brazil had cruised through their group with a 3-1 victory against Ukraine and mammoth scores against Australia and Mozambique respectively, 11-1 and 15-3. In the run-up to the tournament, the seven times champions had suffered from internal strife though with different coaches and a player boycott.
At the Coliseo Bicentenario in Bucaramanga, Brazil and Iran played out a pulsating 4-4 draw. Falcao scored a hat trick, including an audacious back heel, but the script of a grand farewell for the Brazilian captain was not to be followed. In the shoot-out, Ari missed a spot kick for Brazil. Ahmad Esmaeilpour converted his penalty to qualify Iran for a quarterfinal with Paraguay, who had eliminated hosts Colombia.
Brazil’s number 12 participated five times in the Futsal World Cup. He won two titles and scored 48 goals to become the tournament’s all-time top scorer. He debuted at the 2000 Futsal World Cup. Brazil annihilated the hosts 29-2, but fell short in the final against Spain, losing 4- 2.
Four years later in Taiwan, Spain proved to be the nemesis again, winning 5-4 in the semi-finals. In 2008 and 2012, Falcao and Brazil banished their demons, defeating Spain twice in the final game.
“Falcao has been huge, not only for the national team, but for the world,” said Brazilian coach Sergio. “His influence is massive but this is the end of his time with the national team, and he’s not going to the final, which is historic, as it is the first time ever we’ve not made it into the semi-finals.”
Brazil’s elimination has changed the complexion of the tournament, with Spain becoming the sky-high favorites, though Iran, who have a good record in World Cup Futsal but had never beaten Brazil before, cannot be ruled out of reaching the final stages if they can maintain form.
Spain eliminated Kazakhstan in routine fashion in their second round tie, 5-2. In a tricky quarterfinal Spain will face Russia. On the other side of the draw, rank outsiders Italy and Portugal will also fancy their chances. Portugal cruised past Costa Rica 4-0. On Thursday Italy encounter Egypt.
The tournament will culminate with the final on October 1 in Cali.
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