Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Medellin: Uzbekistan crashed out of the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup after losing 5-1 to Portugal in their last Group Stage match at the Coliseo Ivan de Bedout on Friday (local time).
The Uzbeks completed their campaign bottom of Group A while Portugal finished as the group winners thanks to a hat-trick from star man Ricardinho in their victory over the Central Asians.
A lapse of concentration from Uzbekistan midway through the first half led to Portugal's opener. Ricardinho was left unmarked in the penalty area and the three-time World Futsal Player of the Year made no mistake. However, Portugal's captain then scored at the wrong end when a corner deflected off him into his own goal.
Thailand 2012 Bronze Ball winner Ricardinho continued to be at the centre of the action as he then made up for his own goal when he stabbed a shot past Uzbekistan goalkeeper Rustam Umarov with just over six minutes to go in the first half.
The Portuguese captain picked up where he left off at the beginning of the second half as he scored from a volley to complete his hat-trick and give the Portuguese a two-goal cushion. Four minutes later Andre extended the lead.
Portugal's fifth and final goal on the night was their most spectacular. Ricardinho successfully pulled off a rainbow flick in the build-up before Djo finished off a brilliant team move.
Uzbekistan depart Colombia but leave with the consolation of having scored in each match and finishing level with hosts Colombia on their second matchday.
Scorer for Uzbekistan:
Ricardinho (10’49” OG)
Source: FIFA.com, FIFA/Getty Images