Brazil win 2008 Futsal World Cup

Brazil have won the Futsal World Cup for the fourth time in history, beating defending champions Spain on penalties.

No goals were scored in the first half at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanazinho stadium, located right next to the world famous Maracaná.

But the hosts took the lead in the fifth minute of the second half through Marquinho, although Spain soon equalised through Torras.

A powerful strike from Vinicius restored Brazil’s advantage in the 37th minute but Alvaro took advantage of some defensive chaos and netted for 2-2 with 92 seconds to go.

Extra time went by without goals and penalties had to decide which side was to win this year’s trophy. Both teams scored their first two penalties but Torras had Spain’s third saved by goalkeeper Tiago.

Ari could have decided the clash with Brazil’s fifth but Spain keeper Luis Amado saved his team by parrying the effort. Marcelo then failed to actually level the score though, as Tiago saved his second of the night to secure the cup.

Brazil won the trophy three times before, in 1989, 1992 and 1996. Spain had won the last two editions.