BRAZIL AND ARGENTINA REMATCH FOR KL WORLD 5’s FINAL

Their 7-0 thumping of Australia in their semi-final at the Stadium Negara today (Saturday) has given the Brazilians a second bite at the cherry and the opportunity to make amends after the 2-3 loss which allowed the Argentineans to take home the trophy in 2003.

When reminded of this, Brazilian coach Paulo Oliveira expressed his sentiments for the final, and said, “Revenge is what we are after now.”

Australia was clearly no match for the Brazilians right from the start. A 3rd min goal from William Morais and then another in the 8th min from Lenisio Junior proved that Brazil meant business and that the physical strength of the Australians displayed was no hindrance.

Joao Carvalho increased the lead to 3-0 in the 17th min and by then the legendary Falcao (AlessandroVeira), Brazil’s most celebrated Futsal player, made his appearance after missing out on the earlier two matches because of a thigh injury.

Another four goals in the second period – a brace from Morais in the 23rd and 24th; and two more from Junior in the 24th and Alex Roza in the 28th – completed the rout.

Said Brazil’s coach Paulo Oliveira: “We lost to Argentina in two important matches. First of course was the final of the KL World 5’s in 2003 and then we also lost to them in the final of the World Championship South American zone qualifier in 2004. Maybe it’s time for Brazil to take revenge for the two important losses.

Said Paulo Oliveira about his strategy for the final: “Argentina, I believe will try to defend because they know what we are capable of. For us we will certainly attack even though we are a little tired now after five matches.”

Australia’s coach Scott Gilligan, whose side drew 3-3 with Argentina in Group A, said: “Without a doubt, the Brazilians are the best team in the tournament and they are a class above the Argentineans. We just experienced how tough it was to play them. It was like going up against a brickwall.

“But we are thankful for the lesson we learn here, especially from the Brazilians. But it takes a lot to beat them. You need brawn and brains too.”

The KL World 5’s Cup will be broadcast LIVE across Asia on STAR Sports.

RESULTS (2 Feb, 2008)
12pm: Malaysia vs Holland (5-0)
2pm: Iran vs Indonesia (13-1)

Semifinals
5pm: Argentina vs Thailand (5-3)
7pm: Brazil vs Australia (7-0)

FIXTURES (3 Feb, 2008)
Bowl Final: England vs China (3.00pm)
Plate Final: Holland vs Iran (5.00pm)
KL World 5s Final: Argentina vs Brazil (7.00pm)

PIC – Australia Lachlan Wright (No.10 in dark blue shirt) – Brazil Francisico Paula (No.15 in yellow)