World futsal returns to speaking Brazilian Portuguese. Although Brazil’s dominance never truly vanished, over the last 12 years, they witnessed a drought where Argentina and then Portugal claimed their first World Cup titles.
In this historic first all-South American final, intensity overshadowed quality. The match between Brazil and Argentina was electrifying, driven by the passion of both teams.
On the tactical side, Brazilian coach Marquinhos Xavier came out on top, with Brazil opening the scoring through a set-piece. Marcénio’s delivery found Ferrao, who slotted it into the net. Brazil doubled their lead shortly after when a shot bounced off Rafa Santos for a fortunate 2-0.
Argentina pushed for a comeback, showing flashes of brilliance in the first half but continuously being denied by Brazilian goalkeeper Willian. As the game neared its end, Argentina’s pressure increased. With five minutes left, Luciano Gauna acted as a fifth attacking player, which led to Mati Rosa’s goal, capitalizing on a rebound off Willian to make it 2-1 after the ball deflected off Dyego.
The final moments were thrilling. Brazil nearly added a third but missed the target, while Argentina kept pushing until the last second, even requesting a double penalty, which the Spanish referees, Martínez Flores and Cordero Gallardo, refused to award.
MATCH DETAILS
Brazil 2-1 Argentina
Venue: Smoke Sand (Tashkent)
Brazil lineup: Marlon, Marcel, Dyego, Rafael Santos. Also played: Neguinho, Leandro Lino, Ferrao, Marcenio, Pito, Felipe Valerio, Arthur.
Coach: Marquinhos Xavier.
Argentina lineup: Nico Sarmiento, Pablo Taborda, Ángel Claudino, Alan Brandi, Kevin Arrieta. Also played: Agustín Plaza, Luciano Gauna, Lucas Bolo Alemany, Cristian Borruto, Mati Rosa, Sebastián Corso, Lucas Trípodi, Nicolás Kravetzky (GK).
Coach: Matías Lucuix.
Goals:
1-0: Ferrao (6′)
2-0: Rafa Santos (13′)
2-1: Mati Rosa (38′)
Referees: Martínez Flores and Cordero Gallardo (Spain). Reprimanded players: Pito, Rafa Santos, Guitta (Brazil); Agustín Plaza, Lucas Bolo Alemany, Nicolás Kravetzky, Pablo Taborda, Luciano Gauna (Argentina).
