U.S. Ends FIFA Futsal World Cup with 8-1 Loss to Portugal in Rio de Janeiro

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Oct. 6, 2008) - The U.S. concluded its 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup with an 8-1 loss to Portugal on Monday at the Maracnãzinho in Rio de Janeiro. More to follow...

U.S. Eliminated from FIFA Futsal World Cup Following 5-3 Loss to Thailand

Goals from Mike Apple, Denison Cabral and Pat Morris Are

Not Enough to Stop a Tough Thailand Team

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Oct. 4, 2008) – The U.S. Futsal National Team saw its dreams of qualification for the second round of the FIFA Futsal World Cup come to an end against Thailand on Saturday with a 5-3 loss in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Keith Tozer's side put up a spirited effort, fighting back to tie the match early in the second half after falling behind by two goals, but couldn’t hold back the deserving Thai side. Despite the loss, the U.S. will still play one more group game against Portugal on Monday, Oct. 6. Kickoff for the game is at 9:30 a.m. ET and can be seen tape delayed on Galavision at 12:30 a.m. ET on Oct. 7.“I thought we did a great job to fight back for those two goals, but individually we broke down on defense with some mistakes,” said Tozer. “It's disappointing because it has happened to us in the first two games as well. [After Thailand's 3rd goal] We all felt like we could fight back because we dug out of that two goal hole from the first half. Thailand were sharper though and they hurt is with their speed and counter attack.”

Knowing that three valuable points were within range, Thailand were galvanized and soon extended their lead when Panuwat Janta knocked home a corner kick by Eakapong Suratsawang.With the U.S. pushing for a goal, The Elephants iced the game through Khumthinkaew's low near post shot. There was still time for Pat Morris to grab a goal from Ptah Myers' inbounds pass, but it was too little, too late.

Italy Dispatches U.S. Futsal National Team, 6-1, in Rio de Janeiro

RIO DE JANEIRO (October 2, 2008) – Six unanswered goals from Italy handed the U.S. National Futsal Team a tough defeat at the FIFA Futsal World Cup from the Maracanazinho in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Despite taking the lead in the first half, Keith Tozer's side was unable to hold on to the lead, and eventually the quality of the Italy side proved to be too much for the U.S. Mathematically there is still a chance of qualification for the next round, and the U.S. takes the court again on Saturday, Oct. 4 when they clash with Thailand.

Not a good day against the experienced and very strong Italian team...

“I can't fault the guys' effort; it was much better than we had in the first game,” said Tozer. “We played with passion, heart and did all the things we talked about. Credit goes to Italy though because they're a great team. We had the 1-0 lead but we gave up the ball in the middle for the goal and then they took advantage of a two-on-one. It set us back and gave them energy. That was a huge turning point and we just couldn't get back up the ladder."