Final: USA 1 - 8 Portugal

Final - USA 1, Portugal 8

40 min - Cabral takes a shot on the volley that's saved by Bebe and goes out for a corner.

37 min - Cardinal finishes off Pedro Cary's cross.

37 min - Shocking giveaway by Portugal and Naumoski buries it in the top corner. Good finish there.

37 min - Hammes tries to test him but the ball goes wide.

36 min - Portugal sub in their backup goalie who looks like he's 12. Conveniently, that's his number.

35 min - Beasley with more good work to win a corner...he tries to find Myers at the far post but nothing doing.

34 min - Beasley and Wiesner play a good one-two but the return pass is just too far.

33 min - Vorberg with a good sliding stop to deny Leitao.

32 min - U.S. just can't get much going here. It's been the story of the tournament, really...

29 min - Israel sets up Bibi for the tap in finish.

27 min - Jardel makes it six with a left footed drive.

26 min - Silky stuff from Ricardinho as he beats two men then threads the needle for Leitao to pick up his hat trick.

25 min - Portugal pick up a giveaway and break quickly! Vorberg with a sliding stop outside the area though.

24 min - Leitao turns provider now, squaring for the captain Arnaldo to make it 4-0.

23 min - Portugal with a counter and Arnaldo looks for Bibi at the far post. His flick doesn't come off and the ball goes wide.

21 min - Goncalo picks up a bad U.S. clearance and makes it 3-0.

21 min - And we're underway!

HALFTIME
20 min - Under a minute left and Portugal are content to run out the clock, they keep the ball and ease themselves into halftime...

18 min - Good save by Vorberg and Stewart leads the counter. Wieser's pass can't get through and Portugal clears.

17 min - U.S. looking to get something before halftime, and Hammes with a good move. Bendito take it off his feet though.

16 min - Portugal with a corner kick, as Cabral slies over to block Goncalo's effort. From the corner, Portugal loses it out of play.

15 min - Out of a Portugal timeout, Bibi tires a shot but Beasley bocks it out of play.

14 min - Apple lifts the ball to Wieser on the overlap, and Wiesner volleys. Good save by Benedito. Now up the other end where Portugal have a good chance, a failed cross pops loose at the top of the box and Goncalo whacks it. Vorberg with a save though.

13 min - Leitao goes for his hat-trick. If the safety net wasn't behind the goal that ball probably wouldn't have landed yet.

12 min - Since those early goals it has been even between the two teams...

10 min - Fancy footwork by Jardel who eludes Hammes by the sideline. He drags his shot wide of the goal though.

9 min - Portugal are content to be patient, but they've also shown their ability to attack at any moment. Goncalo loses his man and cracks a shot at Vorberg bu it goes wide...

7 min - The U.S. is controlling the ball better now. They're had more possession in the last few minutes.

6 min - Beasley with some good running, he side stepshis man and megs Ricardinho. He's brought down for a foul and a good free kick chance for the U.S. Cabral takes it but it's wide.

5 min - Now Wiesner just flashes a shot wide.

4 min - Great chance for the U.S. - Stewart with some good running up the line, and he squares it for Beasley with a good ball. Beasley's shot is saved by J. Bendito though.

3 min - A cutting through ball finds Arnaldo but Vorberg is out well to make the stop at his feet. From the corner, Goncalo lifts the ball to the top very Leitao volleys it home.

2 min - Giveaway by the U.S. and Arnaldo takes it. He squares it to Leitao who finishes easily past Vorberg.

1 min - Naumoski steals the ball and leads the U.S. on the counter, he tries to find Stewart but Portugal is back well.

1 min - And we're underway!

The National Anthems now: first Portugal and here's the U.S. Andy Rosenband and Chile Farias are suspended for this game. And The U.S. will start with Vorberg (GK), Beasley, Cabral, Naumoski, and Stewart. Joe Hammes is the captain for the U.S. today.

We're now in week two of the Futsal World Cup. Portugal needs the points here, they're still harboring a realistic chance of qualification for the next round.

Well, we're going to take one more detour from MNT happenings to bring you the U.S.' last game from the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil. Today the U.S. is facing Portugal, hoping to come away with something to show from their trip to South America.

Final: USA 3 - 5 Thailand

Final - Thailand 5, USA 3. The U.S.' FIFA Futsal World Cup comes to an end with a tough loss against Thailand.

40 min - Pat Morris adds a late consolation goal, assisted by Myers.

38 min - Under two minutes left and Khumthinkaev scores to all but end the game.

38 min - Myers cracks a shot to win a corner. Chile to take, he scoops it in and Morris connects with his left foot but it's wide.

37 min - Corner kick and it's worked back to Hammes. U.S. passing nicely but Thailand is packing it in...

37 min - Coach Tozer calls a time out to draw up a play from the free kick...And the fifth attacker is on as Hammes goes in the goal...Um, that play didn't go so well, but the U.S. has another kick in.

36 min a belated booking for Thailand as #5 goes in the book.

36 min - The game has died considerably. Thailand won't mind, but the U.S. needs to start throwing some people forward here...

35 min - Five minutes to go...There's no better time than now.

34 min - 5 fouls on the U.S., as Naumoski is called for an infringement.

33 min - Thailand is enjoying themselves now, their possession game is getting harder and harder for the U.S. to break down.

32 min - U.S. is pressing but some heads have dropped. Vorberg with a good one and one save.

32 min - #10 plays a nearpost corner to Janta and he puts it past Vorberg. U.S. n a bigger hole now.

31 min - U.S. has to conjure something here. Can coach Tozer find inspiration from somewhere?

31 min - Hammes called for a foul... Now Rosenband goes into the book. That's four fouls for the U.S. and Rosenband is gone for the next match.


30 min - Hammes rips a shot and Tompa tips it over.

29 min - Suttiroj finds #5 at the far post and he puts it in. 3-2 Thailand. U.S. was slow to react off the freekick.

29 min - Now Chile goes in the book. He'll be suspended for the next game...

28 min - U.S. called for playing the ball back to its keeper. Dangerous spot her for Thailand, and Morris with a great block off the shot.

27 min - Jacobson looks to be struggling with a blister or something...we haven't seen him in awhile and he's just gone down to the locker room. Matthew Stewart flashes a ball wide. He thought he was pushed in the back. The referee disagrees, and gives him a yellow card for dissent.

26 min - The teams have settled down here. It's still anybodys game. Thailand wins a corner kick and its well worked to Suttiroj but he fires wide.

25 min - Foul on Thailand.

24 min - Rosenband does well to block a shot from Innui. Up at the other end Apple finds Naumoski, but his flick JUST goes over the goal....

23 min - Janta picks up a loose ball and cracks a shot, Vorberg pushes it wide though...Thailand look a bit rattled.

23 min - Apple with a pass to Cabral who finishes with a delightful chip over the goalkeeper. 2-2! The best possible start for the U.S.!

22 min - U.S. with some good passing. Except then it's given away.

21 min - We're underway here. Chile tries to find Rosenband with a lob but Tompa is out to clear with his head.

The teams are out. This is it for the U.S. - they'll need to come from behind in order to maintain their hopes of qualifying for th next round of the World Cup.

20 min - Time winding down and Stewart finds Apple. His one touch shot flies past the goalie and it's 2-1 for the U.S. With five seconds left on the clock! That could be momentum shift that the U.S. needs for the second half...

20 min - Rosenband squares the ball across the goal and Cabral leaves it. It hits Stewart at the edge of the area and his curling shot is...off the post! Agonizing for the U.S.

19 min - U.S. could use a goal before halftime here, but things just aren't happening right now. Thailand is content to let the U.S. come at them and hit on the counterattack.

18 min - A bunch of posts just got deleted but it's 2-0 Thailand.

14 min - Cabral dribbling and he beats his man into the Thailand area. He can't get by the defender though and Thailand counters. #5 plays Suratsawang and he buries it past Vorberg. 1-0 Thailand.

13 min - Another give away by the U.S. and Thailand counter attacks quickly. Good save by Vorberg though, he looks well up for it today.

12 min - The Wave is going around now in the Maracanãzinho. A good combo from Thailand but #5's shot goes wide. Number 5's name is 16 letters long.

11 min - Bad giveaway by Myers and Thailand takes a shot through Suratsawang. Vorberg blocks and Hammes is over well to clear the danger.

10 min - Corner to the U.S. as Stewart tees up a shot for Chile that is deflected over...Nothing comes of it though.

9 min - Janta with a shot that Jacobson slides over well to block...Foul on Thailand, that's 2 for them to the U.S.' 0.

9 min - U.S. is playing tough defense today, Thailand is having trouble passing the ball in deep. It's what th eU.S. is known for and they're executing well so fartoday.

8 min - Santanaprasit with a shot that Vorbeg tips over. Good stuff from the Milwaukee Wave goalkeeper so far today...

7 min - U.S. with the majority of the possession, but Thailand is remaining composed. Chile looks for stewart with a lobbed pass but it goes out of play.

7 min - Rosenband goes down but no call. Thailand counters, and a quick double shot by Suratsawang on Vorberg. He's up to the challenge and makes two good saves. Off the rebound he makes a third for good measure.

6 min - U.S. needs to regroup here. Thailand have been lifted by that penalty save...

5 min - Tompa is on the tarp right now. He took that save right off the grill. He probably won't care though, he's kept his side level...

5 min - Stewart with a great run to beat his man and he's in alone. Brought down by Janta and it's a penalty! Cabral to take...and it's saved by Tompa! From point blank range. A golden chance wasted by the U.S....

4 min - The blog has acquired some Bastões or, as they're known in English, Thundersticks. We're splitting our time between banging and blogging...

3 min - First real chance of the game for the U.S. as Naumoski beats his man and goes far post. Roseband just can't get his foot to it. Chile picks up the loose ball and his fancy dribbling eludes his man...but his shot goes wide of the goal.

2 min - Thailand with a kick in the U.S. half. They go far post but, Vorberg is down early to push it away.

1 min - U.S. with its first line switch. Myers, Hammes and Cabral come in.

1 min - And we're underway. U.S. going from right to left here...

The anthems are done and the teams are out. We're about to kickoff...

The U.S. starting lineup is: Vorberg (GK), Rosenband, Farias, Stewart and Morris.
Joe Hammes captains the side today

Well, the internet seems to be working. We'll be back around gametime with some live updates! Remember, this is a must win (essentially) for the U.S. so stay tuned!

O Cristo Redentor

Well, the trip up to the top of the mountain was fantastic. We took a train up to the peak and it was on a steep, steep incline. Once at the top, we hung out for awhile and...uh...ENJOYED THE VIEW! Disclaimer: These pictures from the blog's lame point-and-click camera don't really do it justice.After the trip, we made our way back to the hotel through an insane amount of traffic. In the end though it was an afternoon well spent, and the guys scarfed down some dinner before heading up to relax for the rest of the night. We'll be back tomorrow with the game and in the mean time, you can read up on some game notes or listen to Vava scout Thailand. It's a must win tomorrow for the U.S. so everybody needs some good rest...

Cheating!

Check out that view from on top of Corcovado Mountain today! What a great trip!

Wait, a second. Hmmm. That's right, it's a forgery. Said Jeff Richey: "So that's it, right? When's the bus picking us up." That's us waiting at the base of the mountain to take the tram...

Regen and Redeem

Today the guys underwent a light regeneration session, going for a jog on the beach before stretching, etc. It's a welcome break, as a few are carrying some niggling knacks, but all should be ready for tomorrow's game against Thailand.

In today's Futsal results, Argentina beat Egypt, 4-2, while world champions Spain got back on track with a 3-0 victory over Libya.

This afternoon the team will be heading up Corcovado mountain to check out the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer that looms over Rio. A few guys have been there before, but for lots of us it'll be our first time checking out one of the most recognizable images of Brazil, if not the world. Exciting!

Tough Day on Two Continents

Following our loss to Italy yesterday, the least that anyone could hope for was some favorable baseball results. Only Pat Morris got his wish though, as his Phillies took a 2-0 lead on the Milwaukee Brewers.

The nightcap Cubs vs. Dodgers game was a popular one with the team, and the Blog, Andy Rosenband, Jeff Richey, trainer Tony Rill and Andrew Jacobson (not a Cubs fan but admittedly there to watch the ipending suffering) gathered to watch the game live. We ordered the International Package off MLB.com and were ready for a better result than the one from the previous night.

Sadly, it was not to come and we all trudged back to our rooms three hours later thinking about what a waste of time we just endured. There's always Saturday...

Final: USA 1 - 6 Italy

FINAL - USA 1 - 6 Italy. That's it from the Maracanãzinho. We'll be back later with a bigger wrap up. The U.S. put in a good effort today but eventually the quality of the Italians told. The U.S. goes searching for a win against Thailand on Oct. 4, so not much time to rest.

40 min - Another foul on the U.S. and Assis lines this one up. He side foots it past Richey who is caught going the wrong way.

39 min - Stewart with some more good running but he just can't get passed the tough Italian defense.

38 min - Stewart earns a corner but it deflects out of bounce of Jacobson. Just a minute to go now...

37 min - U.S. needs a goal from somewhre here, and soon...And just like that Bertoni extends the lead for the Italians. His left food drive goes into the top near post corner over Richey.

37 min - Grana puts it in from the spot kick. An unfortunate bounce for Richey there. He got a foot to it but it wasn't enough.

36 min - Chile is fouled and the U.S. with a freekick in a dangerous area. He just puts his shot wide of the goal though...There's the sixth foul on the U.S.

36 min - Jacobson backs down his man to earn the U.S. a corner.

35 min - Time out to somebody. 5:50 left on the clock.

35 min - That last goal really took a lot out of the U.S. Tozer is trying to rally his team.

34 min - Yellow card for Apple and that's five fouls for the U.S.

34 min - Hammes now with a yellow card.

33 min - Goal by Nora. He absolutely crushes a pass from a short corner by Bertoni. The ball takes an unfortunate deflection off of Wiesner and wrongfoots Richey.

32 min - Jacobsen to Stewart who sqaures the ball for Hammes. Blocked by Grana. And Italy goes up to the other end. Outrageous flick by Morgado to set up Assis but the U.S. gets back well.

31 min - 10 minutes to go and this game isn't over by any stretch...

30 min - A clever pick by Italy's Jubanski doesn't escape the Referee... And a deep ball from Naumoski finds Morris! Great save by Feller again. He's been one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament so far...

30 min - Lovely combo from Chile and Myers but Myers can't get the shot away. Yellow cards to both Chile and Jacobson, not sure what for. Well, Jacobson's was for a foul...

28 min - Richey with another save as Italy work a nice wall pass down the right flank.

27 min - Hammes now with a shot and it's deflected away by the Italian fullback. Soon after Naumoski blazes over. The U.S. is getting some looks here in the 2nd half.

26 min - U.S. doing well here and they earn another kick in deep in Italy's half. Shocking entry pass though and Italy counters, Richey with a good save.

26 min - Good play by the U.S. and Stewart finds Wiesner in the area. Glorious chance for the U.S.! Feller with a huge save for Italy though.

24 min - U.S. pressing Italy higher this half...

23 min - Off the line by Apple! A well worked freekick freed up an opportunity but Apple was there to hit the ball away. Corner to the U.S.

23 min - Italy with good possession but the U.S. is hanging tough. The game is getting more phsyical too as both Jacobson and Stewart go in tough on challenges. Richey now mixes it up with Morgado and a free kick to Italy in a dangerous spot.

22 min - Chile with a good tackl to get back for defensive cover. Italy with a corner.

21 min - And we're underway for the second half! Italy flashes a shot wide from a set piece.

2nd Half is about to start here and both teams are out.

HALFTIME - Well the U.S. took the lead but Italy fought back through two well worked goals. U.S. with it all to do in the second half. The halftime soundtrack features an Usher remix and some songs by The Ting Tings.

17 min - Wonderful cross field ball from Foglia to Morgado but his shot goes wide.

16 min - Some good play from Jacobson and Stewart and Jacobson flashes a shot just wide of the Italy goal.

15 min - The U.S. with 3 fouls to Italy's one... and the italians are knocking he ball around nicely in their half at the moment.

14 min - Italy is increasing their pressure on the U.S. here, those two goals have really energized them. The U.S. needs to get something going.

13 min - Well our internet is going in and out here, but right now it's 2-1 Italy.

7 min - Yellow card to roenband for an overzealous tackle on Fabiano.

6 min - Foglia with some fancy dribbling and he cracks a shot. The ball goes through the hands of Richey but Apple is back to clear. Corner for Italy but it comes to nothing. Frantic stuff from the Maracanãzinho!

5 min - U.S. needs to keep things close here, the Italians are looking for a quick response.

4 min - Good combo from Italy between Morgado and Zanetti, but Richey is there. He releases it quickly to Myers who is on the break and he's cynically pushed from behind by Bertoni. No card? Nonetheless the U.S. with a good opportunity. Chile to take it and his shot bounces off the wall to Rosenband at the far post! He taps it in - 1-0 U.S.!

3 min - Italy with the possession here early on but they lose it out of play and the U.S. gets a chance to regroup.

2 min - Italy hit the post and ball bounces away. Clever attempt from Morgado as he goes five-hole on Richey, but the post was on its best behavior for the U.S.

2 min - Italy with the first chance of the game as Richey is forced into a save.

1 min - And we're underway! The U.S. going from left to right...

12:28 pm - The national anthems are done and the players are ready. It's a battle of the away jerseys! The Azzuri's historic white vs. the traditional anthracite of the U.S!

12:23 pm - Here come the flags! And the FIFA Anthem! Our players are walking out now!

12:17 pm - The lineups are being announced the sweepers are sweeping and mopping the floor. The players are lining up in the tunnel as the Blog writes this, and out comes coach Tozer...

12:12 pm - Are you watching or following the game out there? The blog could use a little support, it's feeling a bit nervous, you see. Anyhow, leave a comment ask us a question, we'd love to hear from you!

12:10 pm - A few minutes until game time now, and if the U.S. can manage a victory, everybody in the group would be tied. Meanwhile the crowd loves Parangole. He's walkng around on the field to cheers.

12:03 pm Portugal has just defeated Paraguay, 3-2, in a thrilling game here at the Maracanãzinho. The stadium is jumping and lets hope some of the energy carries over to our game...just about a half hour to go.

11:55 am - Here are the starters for the U.S. vs. Italy - 12-Jeff Richey (GK), 6-Andy Rosenband, 7-Ptah Myers, 13-Pat Morris (capt.), 14-Brett Wiesner.

Denison Cabral and Jamar Beasley are unavailable for the U.S., while Pat Morris is the only active player carrying a booking.


-Well, The Blog is online...for now. It's been a bit hectic in the stadium and the game on the field is equally dramatic - it's 2-2 right now between Portugal and Paraguay.

Checking in With Rio

We're checking in from headquarters in Chicago this morning to let you know that our trusty Futsal blogger is working on some technical issues from the Maracanazinho. Hopefully they will be resolved by kickoff (11:30 a.m. ET) so we can keep you posted with live updates right here on the MNT blog. For now, feel free to check out this pre-game video from Brazil. Stay tuned!

Vava's Scouting Report: Italy Version

We sat down again with Vava to get his thoughts on both the loss against Paraguay, and the quick turnaround before the Italy game. Listen to the full podcast here.

Around the Globo

The U.S. has some coverage in Brazilian daily, O Globo, today. You can read it here. Or you can try to read it - it's in Portuguese. Thiago, our liaison informed us that the article was about the U.S. "lifting up their heads before facing an Italy team who was runner up in the European Championship."
At the bottom, there's a quote by Denison Cabral where he says something like "[The team you saw against Paraguay] is not our team. We can score goals and we need to correct that and start playing our futsal. An opening loss always complicates things."

Photo courtesy of isiphotos.com