Monday 08 October 2018, 01:25

Hosts dig deep, Russians impress

  • Argentina pull off thrilling comeback to clinch draw

  • Russia live up to status of favourites

  • PAN 1-1 IRQ | CRC 1-6 RUS | ARG 2-2 EGY | IRN 9-2 SOL

THE DAY REPLAYED – Stands full to the brim, passionate songs and chants with a distinct Argentinian flavour, and intense, high-quality matches: the opening day of the Men’s Youth Olympic Futsal Tournament Buenos Aires 2018, the sport’s Olympic debut, will live long in the memory.

The Africans, full of verve and energy, led by a two-goal margin with under three minutes to go, but La Albiceleste eventually found a way through, helped by their “fly” goalkeeper, who provided an invaluable extra man on several occasion in the final moments.

In the CeNARD Hall, Russia, among the favourites for the tournament, secured a comfortable 6-1 victory over a courageous Costa Rica team, who fought for every ball and can be proud of their performance. The Argentinian fans got behind their fellow Latin Americans and Los Ticos encouraged them as if they were interacting with their own supporters.

Did you know?

  • Jair Ogilvie, the scorer of Panama’s goal in their share of the spoils with Egypt, is the shortest player participating in the men’s tournament. Measuring just 1.42m, the diminutive wing swiftly won over the crowd via his remarkable speed and skills.

  • Russia’s Denis Subbotin was the first goalkeeper to find the net in the tournament, slotting the ball into an empty net after his Costa Rica counterpart had adopted the role of fly ’keeper to support his attack.

What’s next (8 October) Russia-Brazil, Group B, Main Futsal Hall Iraq-Slovakia, Group A, Main Futsal Hall

Russia and Brazil face off in one of the Youth Olympic Futsal Tournament’s most anticipated duels, one which would not look out of place in the semi-finals or final. It will be a testing opening match for the Brazilians, who emerged victorious from the 2018 South American Under-18 Futsal Championship in March.

Slovakia, the other European team to qualify for the competition, will make their debut against an Iraq side that is not to be underestimated.