Photographie: Felipe Echeverría - Santiago Barcacel
This afternoon, the VIII FIFUSA Futsal World Cup continued with the Round of 16. The match between the United States and Ecuador was notable for its numerous goals, back-and-forth play, and physical intensity, ending with a 4-3 victory for the South Americans.
Ecuador, who finished third in Group D, faced a more difficult challenge than expected against a United States team that had regained its form in the final group stages. The North American side took the initiative from the start, attacking with determination, while Ecuador sought its chances on the counterattack.
Both teams demonstrated excellent ball control, frequently shifting play from side to side and controlling possession in both halves. Chances came quickly for both teams, with fouls adding to the tension, which spread from the field to the benches and the stands at the Bicentenario Coliseum.
This was one of the best, if not the best, matches of the tournament, with two teams offering quick transitions, through passes, and shots on goal, providing the most exciting spectacle so far.
Ecuador took an early 2-0 lead when Hamilton Villareal (#6) was assisted by Oscar Collantes (#11) at 18:26 of the first half. Shortly after, Diego García (#9) scored with a solo run down the right wing, extending Ecuador's advantage.
The United States never gave up, consistently maintaining initiative from the back, moving the ball across the field and waiting for defensive lapses to attack space.
Constantino Wells (#11) pulled one back for the Americans after a brilliant move by Omar Iahbiki (#8), who left several Ecuadorian defenders behind with skillful dribbling. The equalizer came quickly when a U.S. counterattack saw Henry Scott (#3) assist Davide Dipoel (#10), whose precise right-footed strike beat the Ecuadorian goalkeeper at 12:11 of the second half. USA 1-1 Ecuador.
Ecuador responded, and by 6:29 of the second half, they were up 4-2, with Joiber Bastidas (#18) scoring twice after coming off the bench, changing the course of the match. Despite being under pressure, Ecuador regained control and calmed the game.
The United States scored once more with just 54 seconds left in the second half when Denin Ogleceval (#4) struck a left-footed shot, assisted by Constantino Wells (#11), beating the Ecuadorian goalkeeper.
The referee blew the final whistle, securing Ecuador's place in the quarterfinals. The United States, despite showing improvement throughout the tournament, were eliminated in their first knockout match.
Match Lineups:
United States (Coach: Pearse Branigan)
Starters:
-#1: Michael Forbas (Goalkeeper)
-#10: Davide Dipoel (Captain) (1 Goal)
-#8: Omar Iahbiki (1 Assist)
-#3: Henry Scott (1 Assist)
-#11: Constantino Wells (1 Goal, 1 Assist)
Substitutes:
-#6: Anthony Suliaman
-#1: Abdullah Escaleh
-#5: Ahmed Abderrahmane
-#4: Denin Ogleceval (1 Goal)
-#2: Ken Truong
-#12: Miguel Burciaga
Ecuador (Coach: Carlos Carrillo)
Starters:
-#12: Paul Quispe (Goalkeeper) (Captain)
-#6: Hamilton Villareal (1 Goal, 1 Assist, Booked)
-#10: Xavier Cruz
-#11: Oscar Collantes (1 Assist)
-#5: Diego Paredes
Substitutes:
-#2: Jorge Moya
-#7: Cristian Oviedo
-#9: Diego García (1 Goal)
-#3: Alexis Briones (1 Assist)
-#4: Damian Vega
-#8: Sebastián Aulestia
-#18: Joiber Bastidas (2 Goals)
FIFUSA PRESS