Photographie: Felipe Echeverría - Santiago Barcacel
In the fifth and final day of the group stage of the VIII FIFUSA Futsal World Cup, Mexico secured a 5-3 victory over Ecuador, confidently booking their place in the Round of 16.
Mexico, coming off a 4-1 win over Australia, faced a tougher match against Ecuador, who, despite a 3-1 loss to Brazil, had shown competitive strength against one of the tournament favorites.
The match was intense from the first minute. Ecuador dominated possession and took the initiative, but Mexico relied on their counterattacking ability. The pressure was high, as the loser would face the United States in the Round of 16, while the winner would take on France.
First Half: Mexico Takes the Lead
Despite Ecuador's confidence after thrashing Pakistan, it was Mexico who dominated the scoreboard from the start. The first half ended with a 3-0 lead for the Mexicans, thanks to quick and precise plays. At 17:32, Erick Madrigal (#11) opened the scoring after a rebound near the Ecuadorian area, placing the ball into the top left corner.
Second Half: Ecuador Reacts, but Mexico Holds Control
In the second half, Ecuador tried to cut the deficit. At 9:57, Xavier Cruz (#10) scored to make it 3-1 with a strike after a cross from Alexis Briones (#3). However, Mexico remained calm and quickly responded with two more goals, including a penalty converted by Edgar Landa (#6), after a foul committed by Ecuadorian goalkeeper Jorge Moya (#2), who was also booked.
Despite Ecuador's efforts to equalize in the final minutes, Mexico controlled the game and secured a 5-3 win. Both teams reached the foul limit with five each, but the free kick without a wall was never executed.
Conclusion: Mexico and Ecuador Advance to the Round of 16
With this victory, Mexico finishes the group stage with confidence and prepares for the Round of 16. Ecuador, although defeated in this match, also advances to the next stage of the FIFUSA 2024 World Cup.
Match Lineups:
Mexico (Coach: José Piñar)
Starters:
-#1: Jonathan Jiménez (Goalkeeper)
-#2: Joseph Díaz
-#6: Edgar Landa (1 Goal)
-#11: Erick Madrigal (1 Goal)
-#14: Pedro Bravo (Captain)
Substitutes:
-#3: Carlos Resendiz (1 Goal)
-#5: Jesús Reyes
-#4: Guillermo Martínez
-#8: Jonathan Elías (1 Goal)
-#9: Ignacio Rodríguez (1 Goal)
-#7: Jesús Franco (1 Assist)
Ecuador (Coach: Carlos Carrillo)
Starters:
-#2: Jorge Moya (Goalkeeper)
-#7: Cristian Oviedo (Captain) (1 Assist)
-#9: Diego García
-#10: Xavier Cruz (1 Goal)
-#11: Oscar Collantes (2 Goals)
Substitutes:
-#3: Alexis Briones (1 Assist)
-#4: Damián Vega
-#5: Diego Paredes
-#6: Hamilton Villareal
-#8: Sebastián Aulestia
-#18: Joiber Bastidas
FIFUSA Press 2024