RUSSIA SINK SOLOMONS AT FUTSAL WORLD CUP

The Solomon Islands finished up their FIFA Futsal World Cup – Brazil 2008, campaign today after losing their final match to Russia 31-2 at the Gimnasio Nilson Nelson stadium in Brasil.

Russia’s victory, infront of a crowd of 5508,  set a new record for the FIFA Futsal World Cup, beating Brazil’s 29-2 goal thrashing of Guatemala eight years ago. In doing so, it was also the match which provided the most goals in the tournament’s history.

Pula, the Russian No7, who grabbed a hat-trick of hat-tricks during the match has also become the record goalscorer in one FIFA Futsal World Cup match. His record came in the 28th of the match to put his side 24-1 up.

Yet, despite all of the Russian goals, the loudest cheers were reserved for Jack Wetney and Micah Lea’alafa who grabbed the two consolation strikes for the Solomon Islands in the 23rd and 28th minutes respectively.

History was made ten minutes later when Nikolay Pereverzev slotted home to break the record. Ironically in a game which saw four players score four goals or more, it was his first and only goal of the match.

A total of 69 per cent of Russia’s shots on goal found their way past the Solomons’ unfortunate keeper Alick Lioka and they now return to Oceania with no points from their four games, having conceded 69 goals, an average of 17.25 per game.

Solomon Island coach Victor Wai’ia summed up his sides tournament with emphasis on the valuable experience gained by playing against the worlds best. 

"Just being part of this World Cup has been a fantastic experience, because we’ve played such strong opponents. My team didn’t play well in the first half today, but we were better after the break," Wai;ia said.

FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008

Group A Results:

30/09      Brazil 12       Japan 1

30/09      Cuba 10       Solomon Islands 2

02/10      Solomon Islands 0   Brazil 21

02/10      Russia 10          Cuba 5

04/10      Brazil 7             Russia 0

04/10      Japan 7            Solomon Island 2

06/10      Japan 4            Cuba 1

06/10      Russia 31          Solomon Islands 2

For full list of results and stats visit www.fifa.com

Group A Standings:

Photos provided by FIFA Media. For more visit www.fifa.com