Fotography: Felipe Echeverría - Santiago Barcacel
The fourth day of the VIII FIFUSA Futsal World Cup saw Brazil secure a commanding 3-1 victory over Ecuador. The Brazilian goals were scored by Rafael Rodriguez (#6) twice and Leonardo Dorado (#8), while Alexis Briones (#3) pulled one back for Ecuador.
The match between the South American teams started with great intensity, with both teams aiming for the two points. Brazil sought to solidify its position as the leader of Group D with a perfect score, while Ecuador aimed to equal the leader and improve their goal difference.
During the first 10 minutes, both teams displayed solid defensive play, and goalkeepers Jhonatan Lima (#12) of Brazil and Paul Quispe (#12) of Ecuador were key to maintaining the goalless draw.
Fouls were decisive in determining the outcome of the match. Both teams committed six fouls, resulting in free kicks without a wall for both sides. Ecuador had their opportunity in the 18th minute, but Lima made a great save on a powerful shot by Joider Bastidas (#18).
A minute later, Brazil had their own free kick, and Rafael Rodriguez (#6) took advantage, breaking the deadlock. However, Brazil’s lead was short-lived as Alexis Briones (#3) equalized for Ecuador after a pass from Matheus Quaggio (#9), leaving the score 1-1 at halftime.
The second half started with high intensity. Brazil played a fast and dynamic game, while Ecuador opted for a more controlled style. In the 11th minute of the second half, Rafael Rodriguez (#6) scored his second goal after a great run down the wing and a powerful cross-shot, putting Brazil back in the lead, 2-1.
Brazil’s third goal came from a through ball by Walace Da Silva (#10), leaving Leonardo Dorado (#8) one-on-one with the Ecuadorian goalkeeper. Dorado finished with precision to seal the 3-1 final score.
In the final minutes, Brazil had the chance to extend their lead with a penalty, but Ecuadorian goalkeeper Paul Quispe (#12) saved the shot, keeping the score at 3-1.
With this victory, Brazil secured their position as the undefeated leader of Group D with 8 points and a goal difference of +34. Ecuador will look to recover in their next match against Mexico.
Lineups:
Brazil (Coach: Edilson Saaveira):
Starters:
-#12: Jhonatan Lima (Goalkeeper)
-#10: Walace Da Silva
-#6: Rafael Rodriguez
-#9: Matheus Quaggio
-#8: Leonardo Dorado
Substitutes:
-#4: Edain Gonzales
-#11: Jeferson De Oliveira
-#3: Sidney Lima
-#7: Luis Da Silva
-#5: Gabriel Teixeira
-#1: Vicente Bras
-#13: Matheus Dos Santos
Ecuador (Coach: Carlos Carrillo):
Starters:
-#12: Paul Quispe (Goalkeeper)
-#7: Cristian Oviedo
-#3: Alexis Briones (1 goal)
-#8: Sebastián Aulestia
-#18: Joider Bastidas
Substitutes:
-#5: Diego Paredes
-#2: Jorge Moya
-#4: Damián Vega
-#9: Ronaldo García
-#11: Oscar Collantes
-#10: Xavier Cruz
-#6: Hamilton Villareal
Writing:
Julián Dávila
Camila Urieles
FIFUSA PRESS