Three goals in less than ten minutes: the semi-final of the Futsal World Cup, between Argentina and the French team, on Thursday, October 3, at the Humo Arena in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, had a complicated start. Upon arrival, Les Bleus were eliminated (3-2) by the world runners-up, in their first participation in the tournament.
Impressive in defense as always, the Albiceleste were also effective on the counterattack. The first goal was opened by Kevin Arrieta, from a penalty awarded by goalkeeper Francis Lokoka in contact with Alan Brandi (1-0, 3).my). The French responded tit for tat, three minutes later, with a magnificent shot by Nicolás Menéndez (1-1, 6my). The relief was short-lived: the absence of Ángel Claudino (2-1, 8my).
With a small goal behind, the French team returned from the locker room determined to win the battle of physical intensity. Installed in the Argentine field, the Blues dominated their rival until Mamadou Touré allowed the Blues to tie (2-2, 25my). The tension was increasing, as were the errors. Until Ouassini Guirio conceded too much for the blues: Kevin Arrieta was happy to score a double to restore the lead to the Albiceleste in a free kick without a barrier from 10 meters three minutes from the end of regulation time (3-2, 37my). Despite their efforts, the French team will not be able to come back.
A successful first for the Blues
The logic was respected: Argentina, 5my world nation and ten World Cup appearances under the clock, will play for the title against Brazil on Sunday, October 6. The ‘bleus’ will have to wait a little longer to experience their first success against this rival whom they have never defeated in four matches.
But they will have the opportunity to console themselves by beating Ukraine – on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. – in the small final. “We are going to get up, we are going to get that third place”assured the coach, Raphaël Reynaud.
The coach had a hard time hiding his disappointment on Thursday, but the results for his players are already very positive: France, which enters the competition with the aim of playing in the round of 16, can boast of having reached the semi-finals in its first participation in the competition. World Cup. Better yet, Abdessamad Mohammed is currently the best passer in the tournament (6) and all twelve selected field players scored a goal, a show of solidarity that is at the heart of the identity of this group.
