The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Brasilia

The United States lost to Portugal 8-1 Monday, completing the Futsal World Cup with four straight losses and a last-place finish in its group.

Russia, behind nine goals from Pula, routed the Solomon Islands 31-2, the biggest victory margin since FIFA began organizing the competition in 1989.

The Solomon Islands, Oceania's lone participant in the 20-team tournament, lost 21-0 to Brazil last week and has been outscored 69-4 in its four defeats. Russia is second in Group A with six points, three fewer than Brazil. The Russians will secure a second-round berth if they win their last first-round match Wednesday against Japan, a 4-1 winner over Cuba. The top two teams in each of the four groups make the second round.