One of the favorites of the FIFA futsal World Cup, Russia, has been knocked out of the tournament by the other giant of the sport, Spain.
Blind fate drew the two strongest nations in Europe together as early as the quarterfinals and it was the Russian team who had to leave the tournament in Thailand without a medal.They scored an early goal courtesy of naturalized Brazilian Cirilo, dusted themselves down and let their rivals return into the game and take a two-goal lead in the second half, thanks to goals from Ortiz, Fernandao and Sergio Lozano.Sergei Skorovich's charges totally dominated the final minutes of the game all they could earn was a late own goal by Alemao. Russia outshot their opponents 22 to 12 and controlled the ball almost two thirds of the time, but to no avail.“The rules are simple – you need to score more to win. Spain are through, we are out,” Skorovich said after the game.In the semis Spain will meet with Italy, who came from three goals behind to beat Portugal 4-3 in extra time. The other last-four encounter, also on Friday and at the same venue in Bangkok, will see a South American clash between Brazil and Colombia, who progressed courtesy of victories against Argentina and Ukraine respectively.