While dreams of glory are one thing, and harsh reality another, is daring to dream and risking failure not the first step to success? One man who has certainly set his sights high ahead of the forthcoming FIFA Futsal World Cup is Argentina coach Fabian Lopez, whose gifted charges kick off their campaign against China on 30 September in the Brazilian capital Brasilia.

The 20 participating nations at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2008 received a taste of things to come today, when the city of Brasilia hosted the Final Draw for the tournment. The ceremony took place at the Ulysses Guimaraes Convention Centre and involved Federal District governor Jose Roberto Arruda, Sports and Tourism Secretary Marcia Lins, and FIFA Director of Competitions, Jim Brown, among other officials. Also in attendance were some of the futsal's most esteemed figures, including the Brazilians Manoel Tobias, voted Player of the Tournament at Spain 1996 and Guatemala 2000, and Jorginho, winner of that same award at Hong Kong 1992.

Final Draw results
Group A: Brazil, Russia, Japan, Cuba, Solomon Islands
Group B: Italy, Portugal, Thailand, Paraguay, USA
Group C: Argentina, Ukraine, China PR, Guatemala, Egypt
Group D: Spain, Czech Republic, Iran, Uruguay, Libya

By defeating hosts Uruguay 4-2 in the final of the Copa America last Saturday, Brazil sailed through their latest test ahead of this year's FIFA Futsal World Cup on home soil. Victory enabled the Canarinha to regain the continental title lost four years ago to Argentina, who completed the podium here with a 3-2 win over Paraguay in the match for third place.

By reaching the semi-finals, the Charrúas, Albicelestes and Guaraníes ensured they would join hosts Brazil in flying the flag for the CONMEBOL at the latest edition of the sport's showpiece event, to be held between 30 September and 19 October next in the cities of Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro.