Futsal World Cup 2024: Ukraine to fight for bronze after semifinal loss to Brazil

02.10.2024 20:03

In their sixth match of the Futsal World Cup 2024, Ukraine's national team fell to Brazil in the semifinals.

During the group stage, our team initially lost to Argentina (1:7) but then triumphed over Angola (7:2) and Afghanistan (4:1). Finishing second in their group, the Blue and Yellows advanced to the Round of 16, where they defeated the Netherlands (3:1). In the quarterfinals, Oleksandr Kosenko's side triumphed over Venezuela (9:4), reaching the final four of the World Cup for the first time since 1996.

Today, in Tashkent, Ukraine faced Brazil for a spot in the final. The challenge was formidable as Brazil is a five-time world champion. Additionally, Ukraine was without Shved due to suspension.

In the first half, Ukraine held their ground. Early on, both teams hit the woodwork — Arthur for Brazil and Mykytyuk for Ukraine. Melnyk, Arthur, and Ferrao had shots on target, while Chernyavskyi and Mykytyuk threatened the Brazilian goal. In the 10th minute, Brazil found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Lino.

Photo by FIFA

Brazil continued to pressure with numerous shots, though many were off-target, while goalkeeper Sukhov made several key saves. Ukraine responded with their own attacks and took the lead in the 18th minute when Chernyavskyi scored from Zhuk's pass. However, Ukraine suffered a setback when captain Shoturma left the game due to injury.

Right after the break, Brazil scored twice. First, Semenchenko accidentally deflected a cross from Diego into his own net, and moments later, Diego scored again, beating Sukhov on his second attempt. Ukraine came close to responding when Semenchenko hit the crossbar from a free-kick, and Mykytyuk forced a save from Willian. Sukhov remained busy at the other end.

In the 29th minute, Ukraine equalized. Korsun intercepted the ball, combined with Abakshyn, and slotted it into an empty net. Both teams continued to create chances, with Zhuk and Zvarych hitting the post in quick succession, and Semenchenko missing a one-on-one chance.

Photo by FIFA

Ukraine then exceeded their foul limit, and Brazil was awarded a double penalty, which Diego converted. Despite playing with a fifth outfield player, Ukraine could not find an equalizer. Brazil emerged victorious with a 3:2 win, advancing to the final.

Nevertheless, Oleksandr Kosenko's men still have a chance for medals. On October 6, they will compete for third place against the loser of the Argentina vs. France match.

2024 Futsal World Cup. Final Tournament. Semifinals

October 2, 2024

Ukraine — Brazil — 2:3 (1:0)

Goals: Chernyavskyi (18), Korsun (29) — Semenchenko (21, own goal), Diego (22, 36, double penalty).

Ukraine: Sukhov — Korsun, Melnyk, Semenchenko, Abakshyn; Tsypun, Savenko, Zhuk, Chernyavskyi, Zvarych, Shoturma (c), Mykytyuk, Farenyuk.

Coach: Oleksandr Kosenko.

Brazil: Willian (Guitta, 29) — Marlon, Marcel, Diego (c), Valerio; Roncaglio, Neguinho, Marcenio, Lino, Pito, Ferrao, Arthur, Raphael.

Coach: Marquinhos Xavier.

Booked: Melnyk (36) — Lino (34).

October 2. Tashkent. Humo Arena.

FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024. Final Tournament. Group C

September 15, 2024

Afghanistan — Angola — 6:4

Argentina — Ukraine — 7:1

September 18, 2024

Angola - Ukraine - 2:7

Argentina - Afghanistan - 2:1

September 21, 2024

Ukraine - Afghanistan - 4:1

Angola - Argentina - 5:9

Standings

Round of 16

September 24, 2024

37. Brazil — Costa Rica — 5:0

38. Netherlands — Ukraine — 1:3

September 25, 2024

39. Spain — Venezuela - 1:2

40. Paraguay — Afghanistan - 3:1, e.t.

September 26, 2024

41. Iran — Morocco - 3:4

42. Portugal — Kazakhstan 1:2

September 27, 2024

43. Thailand — France - 2:5

44. Argentina — Croatia 2:0

Quarterfinals

September 29, 2024

45. Brazil — Morocco - 3:1

46. Ukraine — Venezuela - 9:4

30.09.2024

47. France — Paraguay - 2:1

48. Kazakhstan — Argentina - 1:6

Semifinals

02.10.2024

49. Ukraine — Brazil - 2:3

03.10.2024

50. Argentina - France (18:00, Tashkent)

Third-Place Match

06.10.2024

Ukraine — Loser of Match 50 (15:30, Tashkent)

Final

06.10.2024

Brazil — Winner of Match 50 (18:00, Tashkent)

Kick-off times are in Kyiv time.