For the first time ever, Portugal has captured the Futsal World Cup. Pany Varela scored both of Portugal’s goals in a 2-1 victory over previous world champion Argentina, and the South American side was left crushed after the frame of the goal denied a last-second shot that would’ve sent the match to extra time.
Portugal’s opening goal was scored on a two-minute penalty after Argentina’s Cristian Borruto was given a red card for punching Ricardinho in the stomach. Argentina obviously wanted to bring the physicality against a technical Portuguese side, but Borruto apparently forgot that VAR was in use.
It was a clear fist to the guts of Portugal’s captain.
Borruto's punch to Ricardinho.
Seriously... why?#FutsalWC pic.twitter.com/8ZARzvF3t5
— Valerio Scalabrelli (@riodevale) October 3, 2021
Pany used the man-advantage to work an opening before smashing home the opener with five and a half minutes remaining in the first half.
¡SE REVENTARON LAS REDES!
Con un disparo a media altura, potente y cruzado, Pany abre el marcador⚽ Argentina 0-1 Portugal
@NBCUniverso y APP Telemundo Deportes ➡️ https://t.co/sJlp6oM6F3#MundialdeFutSal pic.twitter.com/ffA6NbICcS
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) October 3, 2021
Pany then made it 2-0 eight minutes into the second half with a clean volley off a corner kick.
¡DOBLETE DE PANY!
Con un bombazo de pierna derecha a primer palo, Pany lo manda al fondo de las redes⚽ Argentina 0-2 Portugal
@NBCUniverso y APP Telemundo Deportes ➡️ https://t.co/sJlp6oM6F3#MundialdeFutSal pic.twitter.com/Bjz47aFAMh
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) October 3, 2021
But Argentina’s response through Angel Claudino was immediate.
¡AÚN HAY JUEGO!
Claudino hizo volar el balón directo al ángulo y lo manda al fondo⚽ Argentina 1-2 Portugal
@NBCUniverso y APP Telemundo Deportes ➡️ https://t.co/sJlp6oM6F3#MundialdeFutSal pic.twitter.com/esrqpERxcf
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) October 3, 2021
La Albiceleste poured on the pressure looking for an equalizer that never arrived.
Ricardinho claimed the tournament’s Golden Ball while Brazil’s Ferrão won the Golden Boot with eight goals.
Ricardinho made a magic trick!
— Valerio Scalabrelli (@riodevale) September 24, 2021
