Futsal Championship semifinalists, World Cup berths decided

MANAGUA, Nicaragua — The semifinalists have been decided in the 2024 Concacaf Futsal Championship as the quarterfinals took place on Wednesday at the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello in Managua, Nicaragua.

Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and Cuba are the teams that move on to the next round. Costa Rica will face Cuba and Panama will face Guatemala on Thursday to determine the finalists.

In addition to continuing their chase for the trophy, the four semifinalists all booked their spot to the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Costa Rica still alive title defense

Costa Rica continues its title defense with a 3-2 victory over Canada. The Canadians struck first in the 5’ with a goal from Raheem Rose. Minor Cabalceta equalized in the 8’ before Milinton Tijerino took the lead for the defending champions in the 9’. Gilberth Vindas scored in the 17’ to put Costa Rica up by two at halftime.

Montacer El-Harchali made it a one-goal difference in the 29’. Costa Rica’s defense proved enough to see out the result and the victory.

For a sixth time in its history, Costa Rica will represent Concacaf at the Futsal World Cup. It will be a fourth consecutive appearance for the Ticos who reached the Round of 16 at the 2016 edition.

Panama eliminates United States

Panama won 2-1 against the United States in the second match of the matchday. Oscar Hinks scored for the Canaleros in the 13’ and Ruman Milord extended the lead in the 15’.

Nilton de Andrade scored the lone U.S. goal in the 39’, tying a national team record of five goals scored in one Concacaf Futsal Championship edition.

The Central Americans to their fourth Futsal World Cup. It is also a fourth consecutive qualification.

Guatemala surpassed Mexico

Guatemala played to a 9-4 victory over Mexico. Eddie Sanchez placed Mexico in the lead in the 4’ but Roberto Alvarado leveled for Guatemala 10 seconds after. Eder Giorgana scored in the 6’ to regain the lead for the Mexicans with Miguel Giorgana extending that lead eight seconds later. After a timeout, Guatemala would fight back onto the scoreboard with Alvarado converting his brace in the 9’ and Marvin Sandoval tying in the 12’, connecting on a pinpoint delivery from Bryan Santizo. Jhonny Diaz scored in the 14’ to place the Chapines back in the lead.

The Guatemala offense exploded in the second half starting with Roberto Alvarado collecting his hat-trick in the 25’. Edgar Santizo added another 20 seconds after followed by Jose Marin in the 31’, Marvin Sandoval in the 34’, and Jenner Paniagua in the 36’. Eduardo Davalos pulled one back for Mexico in the 40’.

Guatemala secured its sixth Futsal World Cup appearance in the process. It also marks a fifth consecutive appearance after participating in the past four editions.

Cuba secured its sixth participation in the Futsal World Cup.

Cuba edged the Dominican Republic, 2-1, to clinch the final ticket to the semifinals. Jonathan Hernandez opened the scoring in the 2’ to put Cuba in the lead. Diego Ramirez extended the lead in the 17’. Javier Pepen scored for the Dominican Republic in the 18’ to cut the deficit before the half.

The goalkeepers would shine in the second half and the score line would remain unchanged. Cuba earned its sixth Futsal World Cup berth and first since 2016.