BANGKOK (2 Sept 2018) – The battle between Brazil’s two futsal giants began as expected, with both sides playing a high-pressure game from the first blow of the whistle. Both teams were evenly matched and had their fair share of chances. Leandro Lino came close to scoring in the third minute when goalkeeper Tiago threw a long ball his way.
It was Sacon and Marcel who then came close in the next few minutes for Magnus but Carlos Barbosa goalkeeper Giancarlo ‘Wolverine’ Ramos made himself large to ensure his goal was not breached. Even crowd favourite Falcao’s attempt at goal in the 17th minute failed to produce the goods for Magnus.
In the last few minutes of the first half, it was Marquinhos Xavier’s Barbosa that had their fair share of chances. Captain Valdin and Douglinas both came close, and the side even hit the frame of the goal seconds before the half-time whistle. However, the half ended with a 0-0 score-line.
Carlos Barbosa were impressive in moving the ball between tight spaces, but the Magnus goal seemed almost impenetrable, and eventually it was Magnus who got the first goal. Rodrigo hit his shot inches wide shortly after the second-half began but it wasn’t to prove costly as top scorer of the competition, Leandro Lino scored in the 23rd minute. Carlos Barbosa hit the post again when Marlon struck the ball hard in the 28th minute.
Coach Marquinhos was forced to introduce Bruno Souza as the power player in the dying stages of the game, but the player, who was already on a yellow card made another foul to keep Magnus from scoring and was sent off. With a one-man advantage, Magnus’ Marcel scored two minutes before the final whistle to seal his side’s victory.
Magnus coach Ricardo Di Izeppe said after the game, “It was a repeat of last edition’s final and we know Carlos Barbosa very well from Brazil. I think it was a really good overall performance from our team in today. We were good at the back and good at the attack as well. We’re very happy with the win.
We would also like to thank the organisers for a great tournament and the people of Thailand for showing kindness and love throughout our stay here”.
Earlier, Barca Lassa defeated PTT Bluewave Chonburi 12-2 to secure the third position in the competition.
