2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup Recap and Preview
Semifinal matchups are set for the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup with kick off scheduled for the next two days in Colombia. Iran faces Russia in the first match held on Tuesday, while Argentina takes on Portugal on Wednesday in Cali.
Futsal News: The 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup Semifinals prepare to kick off with more futsal action scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Colombia.
Quarterfinals Recap
Iran continued the stunning run in the quarterfinals with a 4-3 win over Paraguay in overtime. Iran was coming off a win over two-time reigning champions Brazil in the Round of 16 that needed penalty kicks to separate the two sides.
Paraguay’s Rene Villalba was able to force overtime with 1:20 left in regulation off a free kick from outside the area following a handball against Iran. With 23 seconds left to go of the second half of extra time, Ahmad Esmaeilpour finished a rebound to top the South American side.
Watch full highlights here.
Russia edged UEFA Futsal Euro 2016 champions Spain in a 6-2 victory at Coliseo el Pueblo in Cali. Eder Lima and Ivan Chishkala both recorded a brace on the night to lead their side to the next round of the tournament.
In the first two rounds of the knockout stages, Russia has a goal differential of +12 with zero goals scored against. Lima led his side with 6 goals and 7 assists in the tournament.
Watch full highlights here.
Argentina cruised into the semifinals with a 5-0 victory over Egypt on Sunday in Medellín. Five players filled the scoresheet for the South American side as they also record two shutouts in the first two rounds of the knockout stages.
Cristian Borruto leads Argentina with 3 goals and 2 assists in the tournament, while Leandro Cuzzolino’s tally is 2 goals and 3 assists.
Watch full highlights here.
Portugal advanced with a 3-2 win over Azerbaijan in the last quarterfinal match on Sunday. Djo, João Matos, and Ricardinho tallied goals for the winners who have won four of their five matches. Portugal’s lone draw came against Colombia in their opening match of the tournament.
Ricardinho has recorded a total of 12 goals and 1 assist in the tournament with Bruno Coelho tallying 6 assists.
Watch full highlights here.
Semifinals Preview
Iran takes on Russia in the first semifinal matchup on Tuesday with kickoff set for 8:00 p.m. ET at Coliseo Ivan de Bedout in Medellín.
The second semifinal match will feature Argentina and Portugal on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET at Coliseo el Pueblo in Cali.
All matches will air live on Fox Soccer Go/2G0.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
