Twenty-eight years after their December 6, 2024, semifinal clash at Palau Sant Jordi, where Spain eliminated Ukraine, the ‘Synio-Zhovti’ will once again find themselves in a semifinal. This time facing Brazil.
Oleksandr Kosenko’s squad delivered a masterclass in efficiency, defeating Robinson Romero’s team 9-4. Ukraine only needed 44 shots, 24 of which were on target, achieving a goal every 2.66 shots. The Ukrainian goals came from Danyil Abakshyn, who scored a hat-trick (5′, 16′, 18′), Petro Shoturma (14′), Nazar Shved (20′), Rostyslav Semenchenko (21′), Oleksandr Sukhov (27′), Ihor Cherniavskyi (32′), and Mykola Mykytiuk (38′). For the ‘Vinotinto,’ Milton Francia (6′), Jesús Viamonte (16′), Alfredo Vidal (17′), and Rafael Morillo (30′) found the net. The standout player of the match was Ukraine’s goalkeeper, Oleksandr Sukhov.
On Wednesday, Ukraine will face Brazil, who overcame Morocco 3-1. Marcel, who now has 10 goals, was on target again, with Leandro Lino and Dyego also scoring. Otmane Boumezou netted Morocco’s consolation goal.
Tomorrow, an exciting quarterfinal will take place, starting with France vs Paraguay. After their lackluster performance against Iran, France will look to advance to the semifinals, with Touré expected to make a significant impact. Paraguay, confident yet cautious, will rely on Javier Adolfo Salas, who will play his 17th FIFA Futsal World Cup match, one shy of the Paraguayan record held by René Villalba. Alongside him, the Salas brothers, Javier Adolfo and Juan, have 30 combined tournament appearances (15 each).
In the other quarterfinal, Kazakhstan will aim to maintain their high competitive level. Counting on Higuita to stifle Argentina’s offense, with Alan Brandi posing a constant threat.
