The Brazilian futsal team defeated its Moroccan counterpart 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Futsal World Cup held on Sunday at the Bukhara Universal Sports Complex in Uzbekistan.
Brazil’s Marcel opened the score in the 11th minute of the match, Leandro Lino scored the second goal in the 17th minute, and Diego netted the third one in the 28th minute.
Moroccan player Otmane Boumezou scored Morocco’s only goal in the 34th minute.
The Brazilian team defeated Morocco at the same stage in the Lithuania 2021 edition.
“It’s not a surprise to meet Morocco at this stage of the competition,” Brazil’s coach Marquinhos Xavier said.
FIFA’s top-ranked futsal team, Brazil has scored a staggering 32 goals in their four matches. The team defeated Cuba (10-0), Croatia (8-1), Thailand (9-1), and Costa Rica (5-0), conceding only two goals.
Meanwhile, the Atlas Lions have also shown their scoring ability, netting four goals against Tajikistan, six against Panama, four against Iran, and one against Portugal, despite the loss.
Moroccan team’s Coach Hicham Dguig said before the game that he needs to find solutions to address the many injuries that have impacted the team. He highlighted the importance of determination and confidence as key factors that could tip the balance in favor of the Atlas Lions.
Moroccan futsal team defeated the Iranian team (4-3) in the previous round.
“This will be a historic match,” Dguig stated.