Friday, December 16, 2011

No Talk, All Play: Some futsal action you'll enjoy

Barcelona futsal

Did you know that the world's best outdoor club side also has a futsal team? Here's proof that Barcelona, home of Lionel Messi & Co., plays futsal and, as you'd expect plays it very well. This is Barcelona taking on Inter Movistar in the 2011 Campeón de la XXII Supercopa de España.


Falcao adds chest to his repertoire

The final from Gran Prix Futsal 2011 pairs the host team, Brazil, and Russia in a tight game featuring two textbook back-door goals, one by each team, and the winner by the ever-creative Falcao, who redirects a cross with his chest. Why not? We know what he can do with his feet.


Back-heel from distance, impossible angle

If you follow the sport closely, you've seen some remarkable goals scored in futsal, often by players in the top divisions. Here's one from a lower division in Italy, where futsal is so popular fans subscribe to a dedicated magazine. Here's a back-heel goal that'll have you asking, "How'd he do that?"


Proving Keith Tozer right

US National Futsal Team Coach Keith Tozer has often used Guatemala as an example of how a national side can benefit from its players competing at futsal year-round. The US used to beat Guatemala regularly, but then the little nation in Central America developed a professional futsal league. 

Here's a video of Guatemala defeating Holland 4-1 at Gran Prix Futsal 2011 and then a second clip of Iran embarrassing the US 8-0 at the same tournament. Iran's become a powerhouse in its region (Iran beat Guatemala 4-2 at the same tournament), but Tozer still has to rely on indoor soccer players and others who rarely play our sport. He and others are trying to change that.


1. Guatemala 4, Holland 1




2. Iran 8, US 0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFAtR1QiPgU

-- Have a good futsal video you'd like to share? Let us know. dknopf@kc.rr.com

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