Photographie: Felipe Echeverría - Santiago Barcacel
Tonight, the VIII FIFUSA Futsal World Cup continued with the Round of 16, where Panama showcased its offensive power by defeating Chile 8-2, securing their spot among the top eight teams in the tournament.
Panama, which had qualified second in Group C with 4 points and a goal difference of +14, was a slight favorite against Chile, who had advanced as the third-placed team in Group B with 2 points and a negative goal difference of -5.
The match began with absolute dominance by the Panamanians. Just one minute into the game, Michael Saavedra (#5) opened the scoring with a shot that slipped between the Chilean goalkeeper's legs after a pass from the left wing. Just a minute later, Jarold Hinojoza (#7) extended the lead by skillfully finishing a through ball from Braayan Hurst (#3), putting Panama ahead 2-0.
The Central Americans did not let up and continued attacking, scoring three more goals before the end of the first half. The speed and precision of Panama's forwards were too much for Chile's defense, which was unable to stop their relentless attacks. The first half ended with a comfortable 5-0 lead for Panama.
Second Half: Chile Tries, but Panama Seals the Game
Despite the clear deficit, Chile didn't give up and managed to pull one back at 18:06 of the second half thanks to Juan Huerta Saenz (#9), who scored after an assist from Ariel Cárdenas (#6). Six minutes later, Huerta scored his second goal, this time from the penalty spot, bringing Chile closer on the scoreboard.
However, Chile’s efforts were not enough to stop Panama, who responded with three more goals in the final minutes, sealing the game with a commanding 8-2 victory. With this win, Panama advances confidently to the quarterfinals, while Chile bids farewell to the tournament.
Match Lineups:
Panama (Coach: Porfirio Rebolledo):
-#1: Carlos Secaida (Goalkeeper)
-#3: Braayan Hurst (2 assists) (1 goal)
-#9: Edgar Rivas (Captain) (1 goal) (1 assist)
-#5: Michael Saavedra (3 goals)
-#7: Jarold Hinojoza (1 goal) (Booked)
Substitutes:
-#2: Edgar Carvajal (1 goal) (1 assist)
-#4: Darío Hassan (2 assists)
-#6: Mario Molo (1 goal) (Booked)
-#8: Carlos Batista
-#10: Pedro Santana (1 assist)
-#11: Cristian Bermúdez (1 goal)
-#12: Rafael Franco
Chile (Coach: Cristofer Beiza):
-#6: Ariel Cárdenas (1 assist)
-#1: Paolo Asiain (Captain)
-#10: Alex Cortez
-#9: Juan Huerta (2 goals)
-#5: Martín Ahumada
Substitutes:
-#4: Cristian Vicencio
-#3: Denny Puche
-#7: Matías Guerra
-#11: Francisco Gutiérrez (Blue card)
-#2: Ángel Torcates
-#8: Kevin Plata
FIFUSA Press