Brasil wins 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup

Brasil was the winner of the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup held in Rio de Janeiro. Three of the stars coached by Paulo de Oliveira were recognized for their outstanding performances at the tournament.

• adidas Golden Ball: Falcao (BRA)
• adidas Silver Ball: Schumacher (BRA)
• adidas Bronze Ball: Tiago (BRA)

CBF Programs offers your team the opportunity to play Futsal in Brasil.

CBF Programs can organize training in the HOME OF FUTSAL with some of the best Futsal coaches in the world. You can participate in Futsal tournaments and scrimmages against some of the best futsal clubs in Brasil.

What is Futsal?

• Futsal is the only international form of indoor soccer approved by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
• Created in 1930 - the term is an abbreviation of the Portuguese "futebol de salão."
• Futsal is a 5-on-5 (one of which is the goalkeeper) version of soccer played on basketball-sized courts and on a variety of surfaces both indoors and outdoors.
• The game has the normal touchline boundaries with no walls.
• The ball is a smaller size and heavier than an outdoor soccer ball, and has a dampened bounce.
• Played in over 100 countries by over 30 million players, it is the fastest growing sport in the world.
• Slated to become an Olympic sport in 2012 or 2016.

Benefits of Futsal

• Credited by the best players in the world as giving them the skills to win in soccer (Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Robinho).
• Futsal is a great skill-developer, demanding sharp technique, fast thinking and quick passing.
• Emphasizes technical skill rather than speed and physicality.
• Develops soccer intelligence through its small-sided format.
• Encourages one-touch receiving and passing in order to maintain possession on a smaller surface.
• Creates countless 1 v 1 situations, which improve individual attacking and defending skills.
• Creates the opportunity to experience and solve lots of basic tactical problems.
• More touches, more goals, make it an exciting game for children and adults.
• Every day more and more federations, associations, academies, schools and clubs are discovering the excitement and value of Futsal.