Thailand, one of the pleasant surprises of the first round of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008, were eliminated on Wednesday after a dramatic 3-2 loss with Portugal, who also head for home. The lively Asians made heavy work of it for the Lusitanians, grabbing what looked like a late equaliser, only to see their hopes dashed in stoppage time.

It looked it was going to be an easy day for the Portuguese when, in only the second minute, Arnaldo hammered home to put them up 1-0. Slowly but surely, though, the Thais hauled themselves back in the contest. On 19 minutes they were level through Eekapong Suratsawang.

Six minutes into the second half, Portugal were up again. This time it was Israel who belted home from close range to make it 2-1. The Thais refused to go away, though, and with one minute to go, Panuwat Janta struck to draw level at 2-2.

Portugal's Cardinal then struck the decisive blow in the dying moments and seal a 3-2 win.

Thailand finish their excursion on four points from four Group B games. Portugal, for their part, are also out as their goal difference is inferior to Paraguay and Italy, who both move on to the next round.

Orlando Duarte, Portugal coach
Our goal was to qualify for the next round. As a result all our hard work has been in vain. We played a good game but our fate wasn't in our own hands today.

Jose Pazos, Thailand coach
This team can mature and go far, because it's a young side and has quality. It's true that they haven't gained much experience yet, but of course they have a good chance of making progress.

Portugal thrashed the already eliminated USA 8-1 at the Maracanazinho, and moved a step closer to the next round in the process.

The Iberians found themselves 2-0 up inside the opening three minutes using the same formula, an assist from Arnaldo and a goal from Leitao. They looked completely dominant; pacy, precise and with a real cutting edge.

Although Portugal kept up the pressure, they soon found it tough to create chances and gave the USA a chance to get into the game. However, the Americans could not take their opportunity and the game fell away from them even further when Goncalo fired home just 30 seconds into the second half.

Arnaldo, Jardel, Bibi, Cardinal and Leitao all grabbed goals in the final 20 minutes as Portugal produced a wonderful exhibition of football and there was even time for Leitao to complete his hat-trick. Sandre Namouski's 36th minute goal was scant consolation for the US.

Portugal now meet Thailand in Brasilia on Wednesday hoping to qualify for the second round, while USA head home after suffering four defeats in their four matches played at this year's tournament.

Italy moved closer to the second group phase of the FIFA Futsal World Cup with a solid 3-1 Group B win over Portugal Saturday.

Both teams began the match with the same game plan, using quick ball movement and having players rotating trying to find space.

Portugal (1-0-1, 3 points), led by Ricardinho and Arnaldo, looked better in the early going. But it was Italy (3-0-0, 9) who took control behind the stellar play of goalkeeper Alexandre Feller and the fact that Portugal committed many fouls.

The Italians struck first as defender Grana converted a kick from the second penalty-kick spot, although he missed another one in the last second of the opening half. If a team commits five fouls in futsal, the opposing side receives a free kick with no wall from the second penalty-kick spot.

Both teams had their opportunities in the second half as Italy's Adriano Foglia failed to convert a one-on-one situation with Portugal goalkeeper Joao Bendito and Portugal's Bibi hit the post with a spectacular kick.

Italy added to their lead as Grana and Saad Assis converted free kicks before Ricardinho, regarded as Portugal's best player, brought one back for his side in the closing seconds.

Portugal opened their Brazil 2008 campaign with a hard-fought win over Paraguay, edging the South Americans by the odd goal in five.

Once again, the crowd at Rio's Maracanazhino arena were treated to a thrilling encounter as these evenly-matched Group B rivals contested an intense and unpredictable match from the off. Paraguay, with confidence soaring after their 5-0 victory over USA, monopolised the early possession, but couldn't find a way through despite peppering Joao Bendito's goal with shots.

Portugal opted for a more direct approach, and it was one which quickly paid dividends in the shape of a slick opener, Pedro Costa rounding off a swift counter-attack. Paraguay, however, continued to press, and it was no more than they deserved when Jose Rotella restored parity, turning in from the left to score.

This merely proved a signal for intensity and often ferocity of the play to move up a notch, although it was a moment of genuine beauty that handed Portugal their second goal. Ricardinho and Costa both showed superb skill to combine in the creation of the easiest imaginable chance for the grateful Arnaldo.

Yet Paraguay are nothing if not tenacious and they fought back once again, capitalising on a slip in the Europeans' defence to equalise for a second time through Rene Villalba. At this stage, with the clock ticking down, one suspected that the next goal could settle matters, and it was Arnaldo who provided the decisive moment of inspiration. With the Paraguay defence tiring, he ghosted inside from the right and drove the ball home left-footed to seal the points and spark jubilant scenes on the Portuguese bench.