All the stars would have aligned with Argentina, chosen by the global community to bring an end to the France team run. Despite having a clear path to the semi-finals, demonstrated—when they played to their full potential—a vibrancy that the stagnant world of futsal desperately needs.
Argentina secured a key advantage in these matches: taking the lead on the scoreboard early. Though Nicolás Menéndez quickly responded to Kevin Arrieta’s opening goal, Ángel Claudino put Argentina back in front. All within seven minutes, giving them a lead by halftime.
Touré’s brilliance allowed France to level the score at 2-2, setting up a tense final fifteen minutes where both teams played at their peak. In a controversial moment, Australian referee Ryan Shepheard—who had earlier clashed with Pablo Taborda during the coin toss—made a questionable call. With both teams racking up fouls, Kevin Arrieta capitalized on France’s sixth foul, calmly converting the 10-meter penalty to make it 3-2 for Argentina.
