MIAMI, Florida – A late comeback attempt from the United States came up just short as they fell 4-2 to Iran in Group F action at the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup at the Avia Solutions Group Arena in Vilnius.
The U.S. started off with aplomb, scoring just three minutes into the match courtesy of Luciano Gonzalez for a 1-0 lead.
However, Iran would respond with three unanswered goals and held a 3-1 lead after just 10 minutes.
The defenses of both teams would tighten up as play continued into the second half, when a second goal from Gonzalez four minutes from full-time gave the U.S. hope, 3-2.
In the end though, the spoils would belong to Iran, who tacked on a late insurance goal for the 4-2 victory.
The U.S. will look to close out their group stage campaign with a victory on Monday versus Serbia.
On Saturday, Costa Rica and Guatemala will wrap up play in their respective groups.
The Ticos will match wits against host nation Lithuania in Group A at the Zalgiris Arena in Kaunas.
After being held scoreless in their last outing against Venezuela, the likes of 2021 Concacaf Futsal Championship Best Player Award winner Milinton Tijerino will be eager to deliver a top performance in the group finale.
It will be the first ever Futsal World Cup match between the two nations.
Guatemala will seek their second win of the Futsal World Cup in their Group B finale against the Russian Football Union (RFU) at the Zalgiris Arena in Kaunas.
A win would assure the Chapines a place in the next round, while either a draw or even a close defeat might be enough to punch their ticket to the Round of 16 depending on the results of other matches.
In the only previous meeting between the two sides at a Futsal World Cup, Guatemala were defeated 9-0 in 2012.
