The matches of round 16 of Futsal FIFA World Cup 2021 were exciting and dramatic, but there were no surprising results. Most of the world's futsal giants proved their strength and won against weaker teams.
The matches of round 16 of Futsal FIFA World Cup 2021 were exciting and dramatic, but there were no surprising results. Most of the world's futsal giants proved their strength and won against weaker teams.
Against RFU (Russia), the runners-up of Futsal FIFA World Cup, Vietnam couldn’t create a surprising result. Before the match, it was expected that RFU would have an easy win against Vietnam as they did in FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016. However, Vietnam displayed strong spirit of competition, a tight defensive play and sharp counterattacks, which made RFU wary some times. Despite controlling the game and attacking overwhelmingly, RFU had to sweat to win a close 3-2 victory over Vietnam. The performances of coach Pham Minh Giang and his players at Futsal FIFA World Cup 2021 opened hopes for bright future of Vietnam’s futsal.
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The match between Morocco and Venezuela also ended 3-2 for Morocco. Morocco are 14th on FIFA Futsal World ranking. This is also their third time in a row advancing to the finals of FIFA World Cup. They have had more experience than their opponents, who takes part in the tournament for the first time.
The matches between Brazil and Japan, Argentina and Paraguay, Kazakhstan and Thailand ended with high scoring for strong teams. However, the strong teams had to work hard to win against their opponents. For example, reigning champions Argentina had a tough match with Paraguay. Argentina were led 1-0 until the middle of second half. Just a moment of distraction of Paraguay cost them a goal. After the equalizer, Argentina scored five more goals in last 14 minutes. Brazil also had had to play hard in the match with Japan. Japan scored the opener. Brazil had the equalizer thanks to Ferrao. In the last 10 minutes of the second half, Brazil broke the deadlock with two goals. Meanwhile, another team of Asia, Thailand, conceded a 0-7 defeat to Kazakhstan.
It can be seen that this edition of Futsal FIFA World Cup is still the playground of the giants such as Brazil, RFU, and Argentina. However, weaker teams showed progress. This opens a hope that Vietnam’s futsal can reach higher achievements in the future.
An Nhien
Translated by H.N
