Fixtures
Last 16
Friday 27 September
Thailand v France
Argentina v Croatia
Thailand v France
Bukhara Universal Sports Complex, Bukhara
Kick-off times:
14:30 in Paris
17:30 in Bukhara
19:30 in Bangkok
FIFA Futsal Men’s World Ranking
Thailand (9th)
France (10th)
Match
Muhammad Osamanmusa and Souheil Mouhoudine recently became marquee signings for Spanish champions Jimbee Cartegena, but first they will square off in the biggest game of their lives. The France fixo faces a stern challenge as the Thailand pivot excelled in all three of their group games. The presence of Kevin Ramirez, Mamadou Siragassy Toure and the returning Abdessamad Mohammed nevertheless makes Les Bleus the marginal favourites.
Quotes
“We will give it our best. We will play with pride and spirit. We will make further history for Thailand.”
Muhammad Osamanmusa, Thailand pivot
“They have a lot of talent and some very good players. I can’t wait for us to prove that we can beat a team like Thailand. It’s going to be a real clash of styles because they’re a very different team to France. I really think it will be madness versus reason.”
Abdessamad Mohammed, France pivot
Argentina v Croatia
Humo Arena, Tashkent
Kick-off times:
12:00 in Buenos Aires
17:00 in Zagreb
20:00 in Tashkent
FIFA Futsal Men’s World Ranking
Argentina (5th)
Croatia (16th)
Match
They haven’t met in 13 years, but that doesn’t mean some of their players have never encountered on the international stage. Franco Jelovcic, Dario Marinovic and Tihomir Novak helped Croatia to a 3-0 victory in that 2011 friendly, while Cristian Borruto and Pablo Taborda were on the losing side. Argentina, champions and runners-up respectively at the last two global finals, have Nico Sarmiento, Borruto, Alan Brandi and Mati Rosa sizzling. Croatia will entrust Jelovcic, Marinovic and Luka Peric with inspiring an upset.
Quotes
“Now you either win or go home. All teams have shown in recent times that futsal is becoming more and more evenly matched, and that it’s all about small details. We know it’s going to be a tough game. We have to be inspired in attack and strong defensively.”
Alan Brandi, Argentina pivot
“Argentina are a very strong team. They were the runners-up at the last World Cup and the champions at the one before. We need to be fully concentrated for all 40 minutes or longer. I’m sure that we can do it. I think that, until now, we haven’t given our best performances. I think that will come tomorrow.”
Dario Marinovic, Croatia winger
