How? That is what Spaniards, exasperated, will be wondering. Their invention was at its most effective. They peppered their target with 22 shots. Their opponents scored just once. So how on earth did they only draw?
The answer is because of a man Kazakhs consider an extraterrestrial. Higuita’s mind-blowing heroics, and Birzhan Orazov’s breathtaking volley, ensured the points were split in their FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™ opener.
That aforementioned effort was one of multiple wonder goals on Matchday 2. Jordi Ditford’s clinched New Zealand consolation in a narrow loss to Libya, Akbar Kazemi’s helped Afghanistan, enjoy an unforgettable competition debut, Petro Shoturma’s got the Ukraine flag flying and Alan Brandi’s, via a glorious flick, helped Argentina to victory.
New Zealand 1-3 Libya
New Zealand goal: Jordi Ditford (40)
Libya goals: Mohamed Khamis (7), Mohamed Zreeg (28), Feras Abuksheam (40)
Player of the Match: Mohamed Khamis (Libya)
The Futsal Whites entertained Andijan with their slick interchange, but it was the more experienced and clinical Mediterranean Knights who emerged triumphant. Khamis and Zreeg thrived for Ricardo Iniguez’s team, while Abuksheam became the first goalkeeper to score at Uzbekistan 2024. Jordi Ditford had the honour of scoring New Zealand’s first FIFA Futsal World Cup goal, and he did it in some style with a glorious volley.
Quotes
“We have been dreaming of this for many years. We have achieved it but we have to work harder to win. It was a special moment [playing in the FIFA Futsal World Cup], but the result was tough.”
Hamish Grey, New Zealand winger
“It’s historic for us. I dedicate this victory to the people of Libya. It’s something incredible for all of us. It’s my first World Cup and we played very well.”
Mohamed Khamis, Libya winger
Stat
Libya, at the eighth time of asking, registered their first victory in the tournament.
Spain 1-1 Kazakhstan
Spain goals: Jesus Gordilo (17)
Kazakhstan goals: Birzhan Orazov (1)
Player of the Match: Higuita (Kazakhstan)
Higuita said he’s “95 per cent sure” it will be his last World Cup. The whole of Kazakhstan will be trying to persuade him against it after his 21 saves, coupled with Orazov’s breathtaking early goal, secured a precious point. Spain will be satisfied with their invention, Adolfito, Catela and Miguel Mellado all having their moments, but will lament not burying more opportunities. Ultimately, while neither side emerged victorious, the spectators did, what promised to be one of the clashes of the group stage living up to its billing.
Quotes
“The goal happened very quickly. The ball fell to me, I saw that Higuita was on the ground, and I hit it over the top. The last 48 hours for me have been heart-stopping: to be called up at the last minute and then this. Personally I’m very happy, but with a bittersweet taste because we wanted to win.”
Gordillo, Spain winger
“We expected the fans to show up, but we didn’t expect them to be as loud. They were definitely the sixth player. I’m very proud of this moment for Kazakhstan futsal. We are growing a lot and to be part of this process is a source of pride.”
Higuita, Kazakhstan goalkeeper
Stat
Orazov’s goal, after merely seven seconds, was the fastest recorded at a FIFA Futsal World Cup this century.
Afghanistan 6-4 Angola
Afghanistan goals: Farzad Mahmoodi (2), Omid Qanbari (7), Hussain Mohammadi (10), Mahdi Norowzi (14), Akbar Kazemi (16), Reza Hossein Poor (40)
Angola goals: Javad Safari OG (3), Aderito (7 & 36), Mohammad Moradi (40)
Player of the Match: Akbar Kazemi (Afghanistan)
The Afghan fans, who had crossed the border en masse, delivered the noise from the first till the final buzzer. Their idols delivered the goals. Five went in for them in an excellent first-half display, including a magical Kazemi dink. Angola, shorn of their poster boy, flickered their flair but it wasn’t enough in Tashkent.
Quotes
“It’s an amazing day for Afghanistan. It will mean so much to our people. The supporters were incredible, they gave us extra energy. The victory was down to the collective effort of everyone.”
Akbar Kazemi, Afghanistan pivot
“I’m really disappointed. I thought it was an even game. We made small mistakes and they punished us. We were without Helber and that made a big difference. He is back for our next game. We believe we can still get through.”
Aderito, Angola pivot
Stat
Afghanistan made their first appearance in a FIFA tournament in 76 years.
Argentina 7-1 Ukraine
Argentina goals: Kevin Arrieta (19), Alan Brandi (19), Matias Rosa (21), Cristian Borruto (30, 40), Kevin Arrieta (32), Lucas Boly Alemano (38)
Ukraine goal: Petro Shoturma (18)
Player of the Match: Nicolas Sarmiento (Argentina)
La Albiceleste’s biggest win over European opposition in the competition had been by three goals. Not only did Matias Lucuix’s boys double it, but they did so from behind. Ukraine’s wonderful opener, concocted by Ihor Cherniavskyi and finished by Petro Shoturma, served to awake Argentina. Arrieta, only added to the squad when Andres Geraghty pulled out days ago, scored a double while Brandi netted an outrageous flick.
Quotes
“There are no easy games at the World Cup. At the start it was very even. We went behind and we showed our fight, put in a great performance. We’re very pleased but we’ve only realised our first objective. It’s on to the next one.”
Kiki Vaporaki, Argentina winger
Stat
Cristian Borruto became the second man to play in five FIFA Futsal World Cups after Brazil legend Falcao.
