Spain had an excellent start into the FIFA Futsal World Championship Guatemala 2000. The team from coach Javier Lozano showed a great performance against Cuba and won easily 9-0. Javi Rodriguez and Riquer scored two goals each, in an attractive but one-sided game. Spain demonstrated a modern and offensive futsal style.

Two goals were also scored by Uruguayan Nico Moliterno in the match against Thailand (4-1). The Thai were willing and played with vigor, but did not find a way to make life difficult for the South Americans. Uruguayan coach César Robido was very satisfied with his team: "It is always very important to start with a victory in a tournament. We played a good match, but we still have to improve."

Egypt, the only representative from Africa, demonstrated against the Netherlands great technical skills, but was not efficient enough in front of their opponent's goal. And Dutch goalkeeper Tom Sier made a lot of great saves in a very emotional game in which Egypt goalkeeper Yasser Mohamed got the first red card of the event. With the 5-3 victory, the Dutch underlined their ambition to go very far in this tournament.

Argentina had to sweat a lot against Iran. In a well balanced match, the South Americans won 2-1. After the first half, the Asians were ahead by a goal from Kazem Mohammadi. Within one minute in the second half, Argentina changed the game. Carlos Sanchez and Augusto Monaco made two goals.