Photographie: Felipe Echeverría - Santiago Barcacel
The VIII FIFUSA Futsal World Cup continued this afternoon with the final day of the group stage, where Chile secured a convincing 5-2 victory over Costa Rica, ensuring their place in the Round of 16. Goals from Matías Guerra (#7) twice, Juan Huerta (#9), Kevin Plata (#8), and Alex Cortez (#10) were crucial for Chile’s win, while Pablo Falla (#7) and Wilson López (#3) scored for Costa Rica.
A Crucial Match for Both Teams
The match, corresponding to the last date of Group B, was decisive for both teams as they needed to secure their first win in the tournament. Costa Rica, with a goal difference of -13, and Chile, with -8, knew that victory was essential.
The opening minutes were tense, with both teams adopting a defensive stance and attacking cautiously. First-touch passing created the first opportunities for the Central Americans, who tried to break through Chile’s defense.
In the 2nd minute, Pablo Montero (#8) from Costa Rica was booked after committing a foul on Alex Cortez (#10) in the box. Shortly after, Kevin Plata (#8) from Chile also saw a yellow card for stopping a counterattack led by Flander Sánchez (#10).
First Half: Chile Takes the Lead
Chile began pressing for a goal, and in the 16th minute, Juan Huerta (#9) broke the deadlock after receiving a pass from Flander Sánchez (#10). Three minutes later, Matías Guerra (#7) extended the lead, beating two Costa Rican defenders to make it 2-0 before halftime.
Second Half: Costa Rica Reacts, but Chile Seals the Win
The second half was even more thrilling. Costa Rica didn’t give up and managed to level the score in just five minutes. First, Pablo Falla (#7) scored to make it 2-1 after a pass from Flander Sánchez (#10), and then Jordy Umaña (#5) equalized with a powerful shot following a pivot play by Kevin Acosta (#13).
With the score tied, Costa Rica pushed forward, but Chile’s defense held strong. In the 17th minute, a set-piece play gave Chile the advantage. Martín Ahumada (#5) headed the ball to Alex Cortez (#10), who outsmarted the Costa Rican goalkeeper to make it 3-2. Then, Kevin Plata (#8) and Matías Guerra (#7) added two more goals to seal Chile’s victory.
End of the Match
The match ended 5-2 in favor of Chile, who bounced back after two consecutive losses, finishing third in Group B with 2 points and a goal difference of -5. Costa Rica, on the other hand, bids farewell to the tournament without points and a goal difference of -16.
Lineups:
CHILE (Coach: Cristofer Beiza):
-#6: Ariel Cárdenas
-#1: Paolo Asiain (Captain)
-#10: Alex Cortez (1 goal)
-#9: Juan Huerta (1 goal)
-#8: Kevin Plata (1 goal)
Substitutes:
-#4: Cristian Vicencio
-#3: Denny Puche
-#7: Matías Guerra (2 goals)
-#11: Francisco Gutiérrez
-#2: Ángel Torcates
-#5: Martín Ahumada
COSTA RICA (Coach: Castol Pallestino):
-#20: Jhanfned Rivera
-#7: Pablo Falla (1 goal)
-#2: Steven Flores (Captain)
-#13: Kevin Acosta
-#8: Pablo Montero
Substitutes:
-#12: Jafete Ballesteros
-#11: Marco Carvajal
-#10: Flander Sánchez
-#5: Jordy Umaña (1 goal)
-#6: Alejandro Casasola
-#3: Wilson López
-#14: Vinicio Pérez
FIFUSA Press 2024