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SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) - Falcao, considered by FIFA the best
futsal player in the world, made a good impression in his debut in
professional soccer as he helped Sao Paulo beat Ituano 4-2 in the
Paulista championship on Thursday.
Despite entering the match only in the 82nd minute, the
27-year-old midfielder displayed the uncanny ability that granted
him worldwide accolades for his play indoors. In just eight
minutes, Falcao set up his teammates for two scoring chances, and
nearly scored his first goal with a shot that was barely saved by
Ituano goalkeeper Andre Luis.
"This was a special day, I'll never forget it," Falcao said.
"There's still a lot to learn, but I'm up to the challenge."
Falcao received FIFA's Futsal World Player Award last month after
leading three-time champion Brazil to a third-place finish in the
FIFA Futsal World Championship in Taipei, Taiwan.
He had tinkered with outdoor soccer before, trying out for
Portuguesa and Palmeiras three years ago, but had never made the
roster.
Futsal, or indoor soccer, is played by five players per side over
two 20-minute periods on a playing surface the size of a
basketball court.
Unlike traditional indoor soccer in the United States, futsal is
played with no walls and a low bouncing ball.
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01/22/2005: Debut for
Futsal Ace Falcao
