Football clashes between the Brazilian and Argentine national teams have a different nuance than any other duel. A final between these nations is always desired, and victory is doubly celebrated. This Sunday Brazil screamed very loudly, as the new futsal world champion.
The Canarinha had not won a World Cup since 2012, but they appeared in Uzbek lands with a strong team, with the label of top favorite. The albiceleste, monarch in 2016, reached its third consecutive final. Nothing justified missing a game like that.
The Brazilians took the lead in the first half, thanks to early goals from Ferrao (6′) and Rafa Santos (8′). Despite these goals, the South American giants suffered, as the gauchos went all out in search of a comeback.
But the Argentines did not have goalkeeper William, who stopped all, or almost all, of the shots, to emerge as the great figure of the final.
Argentina deserved better luck. Matias Rosa’s goal was a consolation prize that meant little for the world runners-up again, because the score was 2-1.
Brazil played with the scoreboard, pressed at the beginning, gained an advantage and then opted for the counterattack, a sign of solidity in all its lines. They had an almost perfect tournament, winning their seven matches, with a record of 40 goals for and six against, the best balance among the 24 participating teams.
Cuba sneaked into the World Cup party for the sixth time and, despite finishing in last place in the standings, they should be applauded for having reached the highest level of futsal.
It is true that the difficult objective of qualifying for the round of 16 was not achieved, but with a squad lacking competitive experience, the goal was pretentious. However, the group has the talent to continue growing in its game.
The challenge for Cuba will be to be included again in the world elite. If federations and players work with all rigor, the progress we all want will be achieved.
