A last-minute goal by Saad Assis ensured Italy beat Russia 2-1 to take third place at the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil.Adriano Foglia, whose controversial last-second extra-time own goal on Thursday condemned Italy to a 3-2 semi-final defeat by Spain, had a happier day as he opened the scoring on seven minutes in Rio de Janeiro.
Russia were level early in the second half when Damir Khamadiev set up Konstantin Dushkevich. Vladislav Shayakhmetov was then sent off for a second booking 90 seconds from the end and with time almost expired Assis lobbed Russia goalkeeper Sergey Zuev to clinch victory to give Italy bronze to add to their 2004 runners-up silver medal.
"We put in a great performance and the players got the bronze medal that they deserved," Italy coach Alessandro Nuccorini said.European champions in 2003 and runners-up in 2007, the Azzurri will now be looking for more continental success in the 2010 finals in Hungary.
Meanwhile, hosts Brazil beat Spain on penalties in the final after a thrilling 2-2 draw to lift the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup on Sunday.
Source: UEFA
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