Spain and Brazil meet in 2008 Futsal World Cup final

Defending champions Spain and hosts Brazil have made it to the final of the 2008 Futsal World Cup, leaving Italy and Russia behind in the semi finals.

The Spanish needed only five minutes to take the lead with a goal from Daniel, but Adriano Foglia equalised for the Italians in the 27th.

Extra time was needed at the Gimnasio Maracanazinho, and Spain restored their lead through Fernandao after five minutes.

But another four minutes into extra time the Azzurri once again came back, this time with Grana netting the equaliser.

As if that wasn’t dramatic enough, the match was decided at the very last moment with a penalty-shootout around the corner.

A Spanish shot first hit the post but then bounced off the very unfortunate Foglia – who had been responsible for Italy’s first goal – and rolled into the goal.

Earlier on the day, Brazil defeated Russia to make it to the final but it wasn’t an easy game for the home side.

Schumacher and Falcao did put the Brazilians in a comfortable 2-0 lead in the opening phase but Pula soon got one back for Russia.

Vinicius restored the cushion a minute later, although Damir Khamadiev soon made it 3-2 to keep Russian hope alive.

The decider came with a bit more than two minutes les, as Gabriel made it 4-2.

The final will be played in Rio on Sunday, and the match for third place – with Russia and Italy – is scheduled for Saturday.