HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam’s magical journey at the Futsal World Cup ended on September 21 after they lost 0-7 to Russia in the last-16 round in Medellin City, Colombia.The Southeast Asian side were unable to spring a surprise against the world No. 3, who have secured a quarter-final berth.

The Vietnamese players worked hard but failed to stop the Russians from scoring.

The Russian ‘bears’ needed only three minutes to tear goalkeeper Ngô Đình Thuận’s net with Ivan Chishkala scoring the opening goal.

Earlier, the Russian side’s power and agility proved too much to handle for debutants Việt Nam when Robinho had a shot ping off the bar just 18 seconds into the game

Soon, the woodwork was rattled once again, before the score line doubled, then trebled, both through the exploits of Sergei Abramovich.

Sergei Abramov added another goal to make it 4-0 for Russia just before half time.

Artem Niiazov struck in the fifth minute following the interval

While Việt Nam did look for the occasional opportunity, with Vũ Xuân Du, Trần Văn Vũ and Ngô Ngọc Sơn’s attempts, the game was ultimately routine for Russia, with Romulo and Ivan Milovanov adding their names to the growing tally.

Coach Bruno Garcia of Việt Nam said his side lost to a team that were stronger in all respects -- physique, technique, tactics and mentality. The Vietnamese players tried hard but there were mistakes. Việt Nam would have to sit down, watch the game again and learn from this defeat.

Despite the loss, Garcia said he was not disappointed. He congratulated his players on their first World Cup, an experience which they would cherish.

He said participating in the World Cup was a huge step for the Vietnamese, but there was a lot of work to do – improving physique, status, technique and scoring skills – to reach a higher level.

Meanwhile, Russia, who are playing their sixth World Cup, will meet either Spain, who beat them earlier this year in the UEFA Futsal EURO 2016 final, or Kazakhstan.

In another match, hosts Colombia crashed out of the tournament on penalties as Paraguay triumphed following a goalless 50 minutes, with Gabriel Ayala striking the winning spot-kick to clinch a 3-2 victory.

Paraguay, who beat Việt Nam 7-1 in the group round, will play either Brazil or Iran in Bucaramanga on Saturday. — VNS