Photographie: Felipe Echeverría - Santiago Barcacel
Tonight, the VIII FIFUSA Futsal World Cup continued with the Round of 16. The match between Venezuela and Guatemala was notable for its high number of goals and teamwork, ending with a commanding 10-1 victory for the South Americans.
Venezuela entered the match as the leader of Group B with 5 points and a goal difference of +12, while their opponent Guatemala reached the Round of 16 as the last-placed team in Group C, with 0 points and a goal difference of -22, qualifying based on this criterion.
This match would determine the last team to join the top 8 of the FIFUSA World Cup, creating a tense atmosphere where both teams were determined to leave everything on the court.
In the opening minutes, Venezuela set a fast pace, with quick rotations that unsettled Guatemala's defense, which at times lost track of Venezuela's players. The South Americans struck first, scoring the opening goal at 18:40 after winning the ball back in the opposition half.
Three minutes later, the Venezuelan team doubled their lead with a well-executed team move, ending with a low pass from the right to the edge of the box for Yorman Escorihuela (#15) to finish.
Venezuela continued to dominate, adding two more goals to their tally. Guatemala managed to get on the scoreboard just before halftime, with a set-piece goal scored by Daniel Chávez (#3), giving the Guatemalans a glimmer of hope.
Despite Guatemala's relentless efforts, Venezuela regained control and scored five more goals in the second half, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the FIFUSA World Cup, which will take place on September 20, 2024.
Venezuela (Coach: Jose Zambrano)
Starters:
-#1: Roxwill Laguna
-#3: Jose Falcon (Captain) (1 goal) (2 assists)
-#6: Josue Soler (2 goals) (1 assist)
-#11: Riexon Arguello (1 goal) (1 assist)
-#15: Yorman Escorihuela (2 goals) (1 assist)
Substitutes:
-#5: Juan Quintana
-#10: Jhonathan Rivas (1 goal)
-#9: Eduardo Pantoja (1 assist) (1 goal)
-#20: Juan Ramirez
-#7: Eduardo Baracaldo (2 goals)
-#8: Jhonaiker Rengifo
-#17: Ricardo Velásquez (1 assist)
Guatemala (Coach: Gustavo Valderramos)
Starters:
-#6: Carlos Villatoro (1 assist)
-#10: José Juarez (Captain)
-#2: Henry Hernandez
-#7: Anthony Mayen
-#4: David Gonzalez
Substitutes:
-#1: José Morales
-#3: Daniel Chavez (1 goal)
-#5: Ricardo de León
-#8: Osbeli Kwon
-#9: Pablo Merida
-#11: Jefferson Morales
-#12: Luis Diaz
FIFUSA PRESS