Futsal playoff in Brazil is finally under way! Last week we found out what 16 teams will play for the futsal title and last night (Brazil local time) first three matches were played.
In the first match, this year undefeated Magnus played away against Campo Mourão who qualified to this playoff as a 16th team. Match ended in 0-0 draw, but it could have easily gone both ways. Campo Mourão will be sorry for many chances they missed, especially the two crossbars they've hit, but can be happy for their goalkeeper for keeping a clean sheet.
On 7th November (Saturday), these two teams will play the second playoff leg. Simple victory takes the winner to the quarterfinals, while another draw will take us to the extra-time. Can Campo Mourão create an early upset or will Magnus confirm their favorite status - we'll find out together.
In the second match of the evening, we could have seen another hard-fought draw between Foz Cataratas and visiting Corinthians. Both teams tested their opponent in the first half, but it remained goalless. Second half gave us more excitement as visiting Corinthians took the lead around the middle of the second half thanks to a goal by Samurai. Foz Cataratas then turned to an all-out attack and while with "flying-goalkeeper" made a nice exchange of passes that found Neto who scored with his left foot for final result 1-1.
Return leg is this Saturday in São Paulo at Corinthians.
The last match of the evening between Minas and visiting Cascavel proved to be a proper futsal beauty. Cascavel managed to take an early lead in the first half and in the first five minutes of the match Humberto scored two goals for Cascavel.
However, in a space of just a few minutes, Minas equalized and turnaround the result. First, Libânio scored from distance after a free-kick shot got deflected from the crossbar. After a nicely done passing play, Lucas had no problem finding the net for 2-2. Another beautiful passing play later - Minas took the lead thanks to a goal by Luis, but it was really a team effort.
We didn't wait long for new excitement though. Just one minute later, a nice through ball found Corinthians' Johnny on the far post who knocked it in for 3-3. Teams went to the half-time with this result but couldn't find the net in the second half.
Two teams will decide the winner also on a Saturday in return leg.
Three more matches are on schedule for today. Assoeva will host Joinville (18:00 local time), Praia Clube will face off with Umuarama (20:00 local time) and last match of the evening will see Sao Jose hosting Tubarao (21:30 local time).
Follow the Brazilian futsal playoff right here at FutsalFeed.com!