Argentina decisively defeated Kazakhstan 6-1 in a quarter-final match at the FIFA Futsal World Cup, marking the end of Higuita's remarkable career on the global stage. In this thrilling contest, Argentina scored all six of their goals in the second half, showcasing their offensive prowess. Despite a sold-out Humo Arena filled with passionate Kazakhstan supporters, the home team could not withstand the pressure as Argentina advanced to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, France edged out Paraguay 2-1 in another quarter-final clash, ensuring their place in the next round as they continue their impressive debut in the tournament.
Abdessamad Mohammed played a pivotal role for France, scoring the opening goal and adding another in the 35th minute to secure the win. His outstanding performance throughout the tournament has made him a key player for Les Bleus, as he has scored three goals and provided six assists across four matches. Goalkeeper Francis Lokoka also contributed significantly to the team's success, making crucial saves to keep Paraguay at bay. Paraguay, despite their exit, managed to equal their best-ever performance in the World Cup, highlighted by Javier Adolfo Salas’s standout contributions.
Kazakhstan’s journey in the tournament was noteworthy, as they had previously pulled off surprises by holding Spain and eliminating Portugal. Their match against Argentina saw them initially performing well, but the game turned when Argentina capitalized on their opportunities. After Dauren Tursagulov scored Kazakhstan's sole goal, it became clear that the team would struggle to regain their momentum. In the aftermath, Higuita announced his retirement from international futsal, capping off an illustrious career that has left a lasting impact on the sport.
As the tournament progresses, Argentina's offensive performance has been particularly impressive, with 26 goals scored so far, just one shy of their record from the previous World Cup. Head coach Matias Lucuix expressed satisfaction with his team's tactical execution against Kazakhstan, while Kazakhstan's Douglas Jr. acknowledged the disappointment of not reaching the semi-finals. With Argentina and France set to face off in the next round, the anticipation for their semi-final clash continues to build.
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