Sunday 03 October 2021, 19:38

Pany fires Portugal to World Cup glory

  • Portugal crowned world champions

  • On-song Pany scores a brace

  • Brazil clinch bronze medal

Results

3 October 2021, Kaunas Final Argentina 1-2 Portugal Goals: Pany (15‘), Pany (28‘), Claudino (28‘) Match for third place Brazil 4-2 Kazakhstan Goals: Guitta (OG 12‘), Taynan (OG 25‘), Taynan (31‘), Rodrigo (32‘) Ferrao (34‘), Le (35‘)

Moments

Taynan scores at both ends Kazakhstan were 1-0 up and seemed to have everything under control defensively when disaster struck. During a spell of possession, Taynan played a pass back to goalkeeper Leo Higuita, but it rolled behind him and into his own net. The mistake was greeted with glee by the Brazilian fans, who sang: “Taynan, you are a Brazilian” in reference to the forward’s South American roots. He got his revenge just a few minutes later, scoring to re-establish Kazakhstan’s lead before thumping the badge on his shirt to leave the crowd in no doubt about his allegiances. It was the 100th time Brazil have conceded a goal at the Futsal World Cup.

Borruto counts the cost of indiscretion Pany has been one of the standout performers here in Lithuania. He is the only player to have scored in six matches and found the back of the net at least once in every round of the knockout stages. Today he opened the scoring in the final to secure the adidas Silver Boot with eight tournament goals. Portugal made the most of their two-minute numerical advantage to net the opener after Cristian Borruto saw red for violent conduct against Ricardinho. It was the first red card ever shown in a Futsal World Cup final.

Tears flow for Ricardinho before kick-off The emotion of the occasion was written all over the face of the man they call 'O Magico' as Portugal’s national anthem rang out around the arena. Today’s final most likely marked Ricardinho’s last appearance on futsal’s biggest stage, and he came away from the tournament with seven assists, two goals and something he will cherish forever: a World Cup winners’ medal. “That would be the perfect end to my international career,” the Portugal captain told FIFA.com a few days ago, and that dream has now come true. We tip our hats to a master of the game.

Quotes

“Portugal are world champions – that’s all that matters. It’s incredible. People didn’t believe in us. They thought we won the EURO by chance. I’m sure we didn’t and we won this competition because we deserved it, because we were the best team. It’s an amazing day for Portugal.” Portugal match-winner Pany

"As always in games like this, it's the details that determine the result. Today we had a lot of chances . We hit the post, the goalkeeper saved everything, and although everything went against us, we fought to the end. I'm proud of this team. We gave everything." Argentina defender Maxi Rescia

"I am very, very proud of my players. What they achieved here is unbelievable for Kazakhstan. Let’s see what it means for futsal in the country." Kazakhstan coach Paulo Figueroa

"I’m really happy and proud to finish third at the World Cup. The World Cup is the ultimate for any player, and it has been incredible to be here. I’d love to come back in three years’ time." Brazil defender Marlon

Stats

4 – Portugal are the fourth team after Brazil (5 titles), Spain (2 titles) and Argentina (1 title) to be crowned world champions in nine editions of the tournament. 67 – Brazil have now scored at least once in every World Cup game they have contested, a run of 67 matches. The four goals they scored today took A Seleção’s World Cup tally to 428. No team has scored more goals overall or a higher number of goals per game (6.38).