Holders Spain needed extra-time to see off Italy 3-2 and book a place against the hosts in the final of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008.

The Spaniards began the game in Rio on Thursday slowly, keeping their shape and not committing much to attack. But after five minutes Fernandao broke through the Italian defence and laid the ball on for Daniel, who made no mistake poking past the Italian goalkeeper to open the scoring.

The Spaniards continued to keep control of the contest and limit the Italian attacks. Still, Grana snuck through in the 12th minute and forced Luis Amado into a fine save. Edgar Bertoni was unable to knock home the rebound.

The second half saw Spain keep up the possession and try to control the pace of the game. But in the 27th minute, the Italians finally found a way through their stodgy rearguard. Adriano Foglia outfoxed three Spanish defenders and slammed home a stunning goal.

The Italians then began to pile on the pressure, with Foglia, Saad Assis and Sandro Zanetti all going close to grabbing a lead. However, the game was destined for extra-time.

Fernandao scored in the last minute of the first period of extra time to put Spain in front, But Grana drew level for the Italians after the side decided to throw all caution to the wind (2-2). But their cavalier spirit was not rewarded, as Spain pulled an ugly winner when a shot against the post bounced off poor Foglia - who was a delight throughout these finals - and into his own goal to give the Iberians a 3-2 win.

Spain will now meet Brazil in a classic futsal final on 19 October in Rio.

Edgar Bertoni struck a last-gasp equaliser to secure a place in the last four for Italy as the Azzurri came from behind to clinch a thrilling 5-5 draw with Iran.

The stakes could hardly have been higher at the Gimnasia Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, with both sides knowing that a semi-final place rested within their grasp. Italy struck first, captain Grana sending a stunning shot into the top corner after just two minutes play to leave Mostafa Nazari without an earthly.

Within seven minutes, it looked as if Italy were all but assured of their spot in the last four when Grana double his and his side's tally, converting an exquisite pass from Adriana Foglia. The two-goal lead was no more than Italy deserved at this stage, and it was against the run of play when Iran pulled themselves back into contention two minutes later, Ali Hassanzadeh Masoud Daneshvar diving in to head home.

Within another two minutes, however, Iran were level, as a static Italian defence watched Ebrahim Masoudi waltz through their ranks to equalise. Patrick Nora did restore Italy's advantage from a 14th-minute Grana corner but, once again, the Asian champions came roaring back, with Taheri slotting home after great set-up play by Mohammad Hashemzadeh.

That was how it stayed until, with 11 minutes remaining and for the first time in the match, Iran pulled in front, Taheri directing a shot past Alexandre Feller from 12 meters. Even when Italy equalised a couple of minutes later through Fabiano, Iran seemed to sense that history was in the making and, with just four minutes remaining, Masoud Daneshvar struck what looked at the time to be a decisive blow.

That, however, was until Bertoni popped up with all of 50 seconds left on the clock to seal a remarkable victory that sends Italy on to the semi-finals and Iran on the next plane home.

Alessandro Nuccorini, Italy coach
What was really good is that we continued to believe we’d win right to the end. We had to overcome a few setbacks during the game, but now we’re just overjoyed at going through.

Ali Hassanzadeh, Iran player
Missing out on qualifying in the last minute is a real tragedy. The semi-finals were within our grasp. We’ve given everything, even without three of our best players.

Second round

Iran - Italy

5:5 (2:3)

Match	Date	Venue / Stadium	Time	Attendance
50	14 October 2008	Brasilia / Gimnasio Nilson Nelson	10:30	7881

Day 13 (Oct 12) game Italy 0 Brazil 3

Brazil underlined their title credentials in Maracanzhino with a 3-0 victory over Italy that allied tactical discipline to their traditional commitment to attack.

Keeping a clean sheet certainly seemed as high on the hosts' list of priorities as scoring goals, and in the end they were able to marry these two aims for a victory that should see them through to the semi-finals, depending on the outcome of Iran-Ukraine.

Although both sides showed a healthy respect for each other with their cautious gameplans, Brazil deserved credit for sticking to their usual formation, with two offensive players - Marquinho and Lenisio - to Italy's one. There was, however, little to separate these sides during the early exchanges, and only when Betao grew in influence did the hosts begin to take a stranglehold.

Eventually, their dominance paid off when Schumacher ghosted into space at a corner and coolly converted a Marquinho cross to hand his side a 12th-minute lead. Italy were struggling to simply keep their heads above water at this stage and, just two minutes later, a second Brazilian goal left them with a mountain to climb, Lenisio slotting home following some great approach play by Wilde.

With both teams having lost a player to a red card - Betao for Brazil and Marcio Forte for Italy - the second half lacked the excitement and tension of the first, especially as Brazil were always in command. The outcome was effectively decided with ten minutes remaining, when Ari nipped in to pounce from close range after Falcao's initial shot had been spilled.

Lenisio, Brazil player
Brazil played intelligently. We knew that it was going to be difficult and that defending well would be key. On top of which Tiago displayed all his attributes and we were able to keep another clean sheet. It's true there was a hint of anxiety but that's to be expected in these type of games. Now we'll go and watch Ukraine and start preparing for that match.

Grana, Italy player
We were playing against the big favourites for the title, and unfortunately we were lacking the slice of luck that Brazil enjoyed. That's because we created opportunities but we didn't take them, while they took theirs. We're disappointed but we're ready to go after the win against Iran and book a place in the next round. We'll give it our best shot.

Italy put four past Ukraine in a one-sided encounter at the Maracanazinho on Saturday at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008.

This meeting between two European sides saw a clash of similar styles. Both opted for man-to-man marking in the area, both displayed caution when handling the ball, but it was in attack when the differences game, with the Italians using more long-ball tactics.

Both goalkeepers were tested, but there were no real clear-cut chances created in a first-half that ended goalless. However, the second half was much improved and Patrick Nora put Italy ahead from a free kick within seven minutes of the restart.

Marco Forte doubled the Italian's advantage in the 32nd minute and soon after Ukraine's Roman Vakhula lost his head, was awarded a red card and the following play, Nora scored the third. Forte, from midfield, sealed the 4-0 resultin the closing seconds.

Alessandro Nuccorini, Italy coach
Today it was our defence and our well-honed dead-ball ability that won us the game. The final score doesn't reflect the play, and I'd like to praise the efforts of the Ukrainian players because it was a really even game. Against Brazil it will be even more difficult, but we must put in that extra bit of effort if we want to reach the semis.

Gennadiy Lisenchuk, Ukraine coach
I congratulate Italy on their win in a very keenly contested match that could have gone either way. We had to change our tactics after the first goal and they took advantage well. Against Iran it will be another tough match, but we're going to try and win to stay in the hunt.

Paraguay's 4-2 surprise victory over Italy saw them jump from third at the start of play to top of Group B and eliminate the Portugal in the process.

The first half was a nervy encounter with both teams trying not to commit any mistakes and it took some good approach play from the Italians to break the deadlock. Sergio Zanetti combined well with Cleyton Baptistella to put his side ahead in the seventh minute.

Paraguay gradually got more into the game and after several attempts, they drew level when Jose Rotella fired a shot past Alexandre Feller. But parity lasted just 46 seconds when Patrick Nora's drive rebounded off the crossbar and onto the unfortunate Jose Luis Santander who was powerless to stop the ball bouncing into the net.

Paraguay's equaliser came just a minute and seven seconds in the second half when Fabio Alcaraz kept his cool and with the added momentum, the South Americans piled on the pressure and score again through Rene Villalba.

With the game won, they poured more salt into Italy's wounds when Rotella scored his second of the match. With the goal difference in the matches between Italy, Paraguay and Portugal, the Italians clinched second place to qualify for the next round, but Portugal miss out.

Sandro Zanetti, Italy player
Unfortunately we were well below our best today and we lost. At least we're through and we can now start to think about the next phase. We weren't planning to come across Brazil so early but if you want to be champions of the world, you've got to beat all your opponents.

Jose Rotella, Paraguay player
We knew it was going to be that tough but thanks to God our hard work has been rewarded with a place in the next round. We always had our eyes on first place in the section and we're extremely happy to have achieved it. It doesn't matter who we get now. We're not scared of anyone.

Italy moved closer to the second group phase of the FIFA Futsal World Cup with a solid 3-1 Group B win over Portugal Saturday.

Both teams began the match with the same game plan, using quick ball movement and having players rotating trying to find space.

Portugal (1-0-1, 3 points), led by Ricardinho and Arnaldo, looked better in the early going. But it was Italy (3-0-0, 9) who took control behind the stellar play of goalkeeper Alexandre Feller and the fact that Portugal committed many fouls.

The Italians struck first as defender Grana converted a kick from the second penalty-kick spot, although he missed another one in the last second of the opening half. If a team commits five fouls in futsal, the opposing side receives a free kick with no wall from the second penalty-kick spot.

Both teams had their opportunities in the second half as Italy's Adriano Foglia failed to convert a one-on-one situation with Portugal goalkeeper Joao Bendito and Portugal's Bibi hit the post with a spectacular kick.

Italy added to their lead as Grana and Saad Assis converted free kicks before Ricardinho, regarded as Portugal's best player, brought one back for his side in the closing seconds.

Italy, the runners-up at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Chinese Taipei four years ago, looked impressive at the Maracanazhino today as they came from behind to beat USA 6-1 in the Group B encounter.

With Sandro Zanetti and Adriano Foglia once again looking threatening in attack, it was somewhat surprising when Andy Rosenband put the USA ahead with just five minutes on the clock. However, the Europeans went into the half-time interval ahead thanks to goals from their influential striking duo.

It was largely the same story in the second half. USA did have chances to equalize, but when Patrick Nora's deflected shot found the back of the net, their hopes of sharing the spoils ended. Grana's second penalty in as many games, plus goals from Edgar Bertoni and Saad Assis completed the rout.

Italy and USA meet Portugal and Thailand respectively in their penultimate Group B games on Sunday.

Adriano Foglia, Italy player
Today we showed our potential against a physically strong team. We played well and picked up another win, and that will do our morale a power of good following the criticism we got after the Thailand match.

Alexandre Feller, Italy goalkeeper
The team was more relaxed and we played better, but that doesn't mean to say it was an easy game. Now we've got to start thinking about our next games, which are the tough ones.

Pat Morris, USA player
The only thing we can do now is play the games we've got left and do our country proud.

Action photo fo the match between USA and Italy at the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Río de Janeiro, October 2nd 2008.	Alexandre Feller, Italy goalkeeper	Italy's Patrick Nora passes the ball

USA (USA)	Statistics	Italy (ITA)
10	Shots	43
6	Shots on goal	24
4	Accumulated Fouls 1st half	1
7	Accumulated Fouls 2nd half	3
4	Corner kicks	12
1	Free kicks	1
0 / 0	Penalty Kicks (Goals/Shots)	0 / 0
0 / 0	2nd Penalty goal / 2nd Penalty shot	2 / 2
5	Yellow cards	0
0	Second yellow card and red card	0
0	Red Cards	0
42%	Possession (%)	58%
1	Time out 1st half	0
1	Time out 2nd half	0

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Day 1 (Sept 30) game: Italy 1 Thailand 0

Italy were made to work hard for the three points they gained over a resolute Thailand side in the opening match of Group B at the Maracanazinho in Rio de Janeiro today.

Despite taking the initiative by alternating lively strikers Sandro Zanetti and Adriano Foglia up front, the Azzurri found it difficult to turn the possession they had into chances, being frustrated time and time again by a tight Thai defence and some excellent goalkeeping from Surapong Tompa.

Indeed, the East Asians had the first real chance of the game, hitting the post following a counterattack.

The only goal of the game came five minutes before half-time, Grana keeping his cool to dispatch the ball into the net. However, Thailand responded well and Prasert Innui had three wonderful chances to equalize in the first half, but squandered them all.

The pick of these came from the penalty spot, which he cannoned off the post.

The second half saw Panomkorn Saisorn sent off for two yellow cards as Italy hung on for victory

Italy's Grana fights for the ball with Thailand's Panomkorn Saisorn	Italy's Sandro Zanett fights for the ball with Thailand's Panuwat Janta